Neosho man arrested for sixth DWI

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed a felony driving while intoxicated charge Friday against a Neosho man who has five DWI convictions.

An arrest warrant was issued today for Michael Eugene Grissom (DOB 1982) who is to be held without bond.

From the probable cause statement:

On December 5th, 2025, I, Police Officer Shadrack Scheppert, was dispatched to Love's Travel Stop, 12009 E Highway 86, which is within the city limits of Neosho, in reference to an assist.

Neosho Police Officer C. Snyder had located an individual that he believed to be operating a motor-vehicle while intoxicated. Officer Snyder explained he located a male in a vehicle, slumped over, with an empty air-duster can in his lap. He stated he believed the male was currently under the influence of the contents of the air-duster.

I responded to the area and identified the male as Mr. Michael Grissom. While speaking with Mr. Grissom, I smelled a faint odor of an intoxicating substance commonly identified as alcohol, coming from his breath. 

Mr. Grissom refused to perform any standardized field sobriety tests (SFST).

Officer Snyder advised me that while inventorying Mr. Grissom's vehicle he located multiple other empty cans of air-duster.

Carl Junction man charged with harassment, putting sexual images of ex-girlfriend online

 

An arrest warrant was issued today for a Carl Junction man who has been charged with harassment and consensual dissemination of private sexual images.

According to a probable cause statement filed Friday in Jasper County Circuit Court, Mark Anthony Young (DOB 1989) allegedly posted sexual images of his ex-girlfriend on Facebook after he called her 107 times on the phone and 19 times on the Facebook Messenger app during a three-day period.

The ex-girlfriend told Jasper County Sheriff's Office investigators of other instances of harassment that allegedly occurred in other jurisdictions.

From the probable cause statement:

On 11/3/2025, I Cpl Burton #339 took a walk in report at the sheriff’s office in Jasper County. I contacted Victim 1 who is over the age of 18. 

Victim 1 informed me that her ex-boyfriend and father of two of her children (Mark Young), was harassing her. Victim 1, provided me with multiple pages of calls logs showing 19 missed calls from Mark's phone number, and 107 missed calls from a private number, who Victim 1 believes was Mark due to him doing this in the past. 

Victim 1 also provided proof that Mark attempted to call her 19 times on Facebook messenger app. 

All of the calls ranged from 10/31/2025 to 11/2/2025. 

On Messenger Mark also threaten to exploit explicit photographs of
 Victim 1 if she did not respond to him, this was sent on 10/31/2025. When Mark threatened to post pictures of Victim 1, he sent her a collage of photos he had labeled “Mark Young Hidden” the collage of photos {were of a sexual nature}.

On 11/1/2025 after the Victim still had not responded to Mark, he posted several explicit images of
Victim 1 on Facebook. 

According to the probable cause statement, "Victim 1 was only made aware of the photographs by other people messaging her about what Mark had posted, showing that the photographs were put on his page in a public setting.

Victim 1 is concerned for her safety as she believes Marks behavior has escalated over the last several days, her car has also been vandalized and her mother’s car tires were slashed. These incidences occurred in other agencies' jurisdictions. 

Remembering Dick Ferguson and the day that will live in infamy

Today marks 84 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor ushered the United States into World War II.

Whenever December 7 rolls around, I think of my old friend Dick Ferguson, who survived that attack and did his best for much of his life to make sure that others learned about the importance of that date to American history.

Reprinted below is a post I wrote about Dick Ferguson November 8, 2008, shortly after his death and have repeated each year on December 7:

One of the first interviews I did after hiring on as a general assignment reporter at the Carthage Press in April 1990 was for a feature on the retirement of Dick Ferguson from his position as president at Financial Federal Savings and Loan.

Much of that story was based on the things he planned to do during his retirement. Turns out he was a bit premature. Richard Frazer Ferguson never reached a traditional retirement. In the 18 years since his "retirement," he kept working in one capacity or another right up until almost the time of his death Friday at age 88.

Dick Ferguson always put his community first as he proved when he stepped in two times after that initial retirement date to serve as interim director of the Carthage Chamber of Commerce. He also worked part-time for the Chamber for several years.

When Liberty Group Publishing ended my newspaper career in May 1999, one of the first people to contact me was Dick Ferguson, who sent me a much-appreciated card, saying he had noticed my name was no longer on the masthead and he wished me well in whatever I decided to do next. Having heard a few rumors about my departure not being voluntary, he added a postscript saying he thought The Press had made a mistake.

During my nine years at The Press, I had either interviewed Dick or had one of my reporters do so each year when December 7 came around. Dick Ferguson was stationed at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, "the day that will live in infamy," and over the next 66-plus years, he did his best to keep the memories of that day alive, attending reunions and speaking to school groups.

After I left The Press, I was one of those teachers who called Dick and asked if he could speak to my writing classes at Diamond Middle School. He spent the afternoon at the school and enthralled my students with his tales on Pearl Harbor and World War II.

After he spoke to one of my eighth grade classes, he asked if the students had any questions. A girl in the back row, raised her hand and said, "Mr. Ferguson, your stories are so interesting. Who won that war?"

Naturally, I was mortified both for the girl and for Dick, since it appeared that one of my students was not aware of the results of the sacrifices he and his fellow servicemen had made to keep America safe.

My horror grew as another student chipped in and said, "I'd like to know, too, Mr. Ferguson. Who won the war?"

Thankfully, most of the students seemed to know the U. S. and the Allies won World War II. The two students' reaction did not faze Dick in the slightest. He calmly and politely answered their questions.

When the final bell rang at 3 p.m., I walked Dick out to his car and apologized to him for the two students. He laughed it off and said, "Don't worry about it. That happens almost everywhere I go."

That was why it was so important for Dick Ferguson and others like him to make sure the memories of those days were kept alive. Dick did that, not just through his countless presentations for schools and civic groups, but also through his writing.

His book Look Back Once More focusing on his memories of Pearl Harbor, remains to help make the past accessible to future generations.

A world without Dick Ferguson is hard to contemplate, but it seems fitting that he was called home just in time for Veterans Day.

Grocery store fails Joplin Health Department inspection

 Island Genez Market, 2914 E. 32nd Street, failed a Joplin Health Department inspection Friday, according to information posted on the department website.

The business was cited for three priority violations and four core violations.

Priority violations were noted for the following:

-Containers of meat and poultry items that were not ready-to-eat were not labeled properly.

-A sandwich bag of pickled items was not labeled with its contents and was leaking.

-Potentially hazardous foods were being cold held above 41 degrees.

The following core violations were noted:

-Molluscan shellfish were not stored in the original container and did not have proper documentation or labeling.

-Various packages were not labeled as required.

-The freezers had frost accumulations.

-Items were stored around the hand sink making it difficult to access.

***

The following establishments passed their inspections:

Charlie's Chicken, 2020 E. 32nd Street

Forest and Field Bakery, 1923 S. Sergeant Avenue

Denny's 3602 S. Range Line Road

Golden Corral Buffet and Grill, 2415 S. Range Line Road

Independent Living Center Food Pantry, 2639 E. 34th Street

Chili's Grill and Bar, 1430 S. Range Line Road

Gateway School, 1823 W. 20th Street

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, 1237 S. Range Line Road

Zip Trip, 1102 W. 7th Street

Panda Express, 1531 S. Range Line Road

***

China Pantry, 101 N. Range Line Road passed its re-inspection Monday after failing an inspection November 20.

Fort Scott man, Joplin woman arrested following pursuit

(From the Galena Police Department)

On 12/05/25 at approximately 1220 hours Officers with the Galena Police Department were notified by dispatch that Joplin was in pursuit of a wanted fugitive that was possibly armed. 

Dispatch advised the pursuit was headed into Galena on Old 66 hwy and they were requesting assistance. 

The pursuit entered Galena and went South on Main Street. A Galena Officer joined the pursuit that continued South out of town then back west towards Baxter Springs. 

The suspect went off road and through several fields before finally stopping and surrendering to the Galena Officer in a field. The suspect was identified as Austin Arnold out of Fort Scott Kansas the passenger was identified as Chelsea Fields out of Joplin. 

Arnold was arrested on Multiple Felony Warrants, Possession of Methamphetamine, fleeing and eluding LEO, Interference with Leo and Aggravated Assault. Fields was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. More charges are pending in this case. The suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Thanks Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and JPD for the assist! This case is another example of Teamwork to help make our communties safer!

Joplin business owner charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney filed two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and s single count of unlawful use of a weapon against a Joplin business owner Friday.

The charges against Cranesha Michelle Jones (DOB 1997), Oronogo, were filed in connection with a Joplin Police Department investigation into Pressure Packs, 628 S Main Street, a business owned by Jones and Landers Page, 39, Oronogo.

Page and Courtney Mitchell, 20, Joplin were charged with Unlawful Use of Weapons and Delivery of a Controlled Substance - Having a Minor to Purchase or Transport. Both men are being held in the Jasper County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond.

The investigation and the charges against Cranesha Jones were detailed in the probable cause statement:

On December 3, 2025, Cranesha Jones committed the offenses of Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Endangering the Welfare of a Child at 628 S. Main Street,
Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri and 1112 Paw Paw Place, Oronogo, Jasper County, Missouri. 

On this date the Joplin Police Department Investigations Bureau served a search warrant at "Pressure Packs" 628 S. Main Street, Joplin, owned by Landers Page and Cranesha Jones. 

The Joplin Police Flex Platoon conducted a narcotics investigation on Pressure Packs and developed probable cause that Page, Courtney Mitchell and a Juvenile male were illegally selling marijuana from the business. 

Jones was also observed at the business on most of the days it was open. Specifically, during the months of October and November Mitchell, Page and the juvenile male sold amounts of marijuana, over 100
grams, to multiple eighteen year old persons. 

During the months of October and November Page, Mitchell and the juvenile were observed opening the business, conducting sales and closing the business. While working at the business, Page, Mitchell and the juvenile were observed openly possessing firearms on multiple days. 

When the warrant was served, Page, Mitchell and the juvenile were detained outside of a pickup truck as they arrived at the business. Page had a 10mm Glock handgun in his pants pocket with serial number BW2Y355. The juvenile was found to be in possession of a Palmetto State Armory 9mm handgun in his pants pocket with serial number SZ033201 and a back pack with approximately 52 grams of marijuana, a scale and a Pioneer Arms 7.62 caliber AK style pistol with serial number PAC24PL24706F. Mitchell was found to have a Glock 9mm pistol with serial number BZNK616 in his pants pocket. 

A search of the truck located another firearm and a search of the business located three more firearms. 

Inside the business approximately 72 pounds of raw marijuana and marijuana products were found. Also found were approximately 400 grams of psilocybin mushroom spores. 

Jones arrived at the scene of the search warrant and identified herself as the business owner and that she obtained the business licenses for Pressure Packs. Jones then left Pressure Packs and traveled to 112 Paw Paw Pl, Oronogo where she removed three firearms from the residence. 

A second search warrant at 1112 Paw Paw Pl, Oronogo, Jasper County, the residence of Page, Mitchell, Jones and three juveniles was then served. 

At the home five more firearms were seize all were found unsecured, on the floor of the master bathroom and closet and on the master bed. One of the firearms was located in a baby bassinet in Mitchell's room. 

Over 60 xanax pills and clear plastic bags with a white powder substance that field tested for the presence of cocaine were found in the Master bedroom. Five more xanax pills were found in Jones' purse. Further testing will be requested of the pills and bags from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Laboratory. 

Nine dogs were located in individual cages inside the residence and garage including two puppies. All the dogs in the garage were found to have feces coating their legs and on their underbelly and the smell of feces was overwhelming in the garage. A large puddle of urine was also found on the kitchen floor.

Previous post-  Two arrested on drug, weapons charges following search warrant execution at Joplin Main Street business

Mark Alford: Gas prices down because President Trump's America-First energy agenda is working

(From Fourth District Congressman Mark Alford)

Good news doesn’t always make the headlines — but this week, even CNN and CBS News are cheering the drop in gas prices. And that’s something worth celebrating. Nationally, the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline has fallen below $3 for the first time since 2021 — the lowest in years!

That means one thing: President Trump’s America-First energy agenda is working — and it’s working so well that even networks usually quick to criticize are reporting the relief with a smile. When gas prices go down, American families go forward. 

For too long, hardworking folks in Missouri’s Fourth District were watching prices surge. Filling the tank felt like a financial burden. But today, every driver pulling up to the pump is getting a little break — especially meaningful during the most expensive travel season of the year.

According to AAA data, the statewide average price for regular gasoline in Missouri is currently about $2.64 per gallon, which is lower than in prior months. This isn’t a coincidence. Under strong leadership, the United States is once again embracing American energy production, restoring stability to supply, and rejecting destructive policies that made us more dependent and more vulnerable.

But the bigger shift is clear: we’re choosing strength over scarcity. And when America is strong, families prosper. Farmers, truckers, and small business owners here in the Show Me State feel the difference first. In a district where we drive long distances to church, school, and work, these savings matter. They mean presents under the tree, more meals shared around the table, and more confidence in a future built on common-sense policy.

Let’s call this what it is: an early Christmas gift–a gift from American productivity and leadership that puts our people first. 

Of course, challenges remain. Inflation has taken a toll on every household. But as we close out the year, this progress proves that when we unleash American energy, Americans win. It’s the momentum we can build on. It’s proof that turning the corner is not only possible — it’s already happening.

So while you’re filling up the tank before heading to see loved ones in Sedalia, Warsaw, Cass County, or the Lake — take a moment to appreciate that price on the sign. It’s more than numbers.

It’s a reminder that America works best when America is working.

Wiseguys fails Joplin Health Department inspection after live, dead cockroaches found

Wiseguys, 612 S Main Street, failed a Joplin Health Department inspection November 24 with two priority violations and eight core violations.

Priority violations were noted for the following:

-Live and dead cockroaches were found on the inside of the paper towel dispenser, on top of the pass-through dishwasher, as well as on the floor and baseboards of the kitchen area.

-An employee drink was observed on a prep table in the kitchen area.

The following core violations were noted:

-In-use wiping clothes were on the prep tables in the kitchen area

-The three-compartment sink in the bar area didn't have a sanitizer test kit

-Food debris accumulations were seen inside and outside of the microwave in the kitchen

-The can opener blade had debris accumulations

-The inside of the ice maker had debris accumulations

-Clean drinking glasses were drying under dish towels without being air-dried first

-Pipes were leaking water under the handwashing sink in the bar area

-The women's bathroom didn't have a tight-fitting, self-closing door.

These establishments passed inspections during the last week of November:

Del Rio Grill and Cantina, 1802 W. 32nd Street

Whataburger, 2014 S. Range Line Road

Lotus Xpress, 801 E. 20th Street

Aldi Food Market, 3205 E. 20th Street

Han the Sushi Man, 2640 E. 32nd Street

Walmart Neighborhood Market Deli, 1600 E. 7th Street

 

Oklahoma woman sues Mercy Joplin after injuring her face in hallway fall

An Ottawa County, Oklahoma woman filed a lawsuit against Mercy Joplin claiming she caught her leg on a metal frame in a narrow hallways, fell and injured her face.

According to the petition, Cheryl Brock was in Mercy's emergency room February 10, 2024 while her husband was seeking medical care when the accident occurred.

From the petition:

After registering at the triage desk, Plaintiff’s husband was taken to the emergency department examination suites with Plaintiff in tow. Plaintiff stepped outside her husband’s examination suite at some point to use the restroom in the common hallway just outside the examination suites.

After Plaintiff exited the restroom, she started walking down the common hallway to return to her husband’s examination suite. At the same time, an employee of Defendant was walking the opposite direction coming toward Plaintiff, so Plaintiff moved toward the right of the hallway.

A large metal frame device which resembled a hospital bed was positioned upright along the right wall of the hallway. Defendant’s employee and Plaintiff passed each other in the hallway near where the metal frame device was positioned along the wall. 

As Plaintiff was looking at the employee, Plaintiff’s foot caught one of the legs of the metal frame that,
unbeknownst to Plaintiff, was protruding further into the walkway. The legs of the metal frame caused Plaintiff to fall forward, whereupon she landed face first onto the hard tile floor and sustained injury to her face.

The metal frame and legs extending into the hallway constituted a dangerous condition in that it created a trip and fall hazard.

Defendant Mercy Joplin, by and through its employees, placed the metal frame in the hallway and positioned so as to create the dangerous condition.

Defendant Mercy Joplin knew or could have known about the metal frame positioned in the hallway in sufficient time to have remedied, barricaded, or warned about it.

The fall aforesaid and the injuries and damages suffered by Plaintiff as described below were the direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness, acts and/or omissions of Defendant Mercy Joplin, in one, more, or all the following particulars to wit:

a. by not keeping its premises in a reasonably safe condition free of hazards;

b. by not performing proper, frequent, and adequate inspections of the premises to discover the trip and fall hazard presented by the metal frame;

by failing to remedy, barricade, or warn about the trip and fall hazard created by the metal frame when such hazard existed for a sufficient period of time that

c. Defendant knew or could have known about it; and

d. by positioning the metal frame in the hallway with its legs protruding outward so as to create a trip and fall hazard;

Defendant’s failure to use ordinary care, as aforesaid, directly caused or contributed to cause Plaintiff to sustain bodily injury to her head and neck. Plaintiff has incurred a substantial sum for medical care and treatment. Plaintiff was caused and continues to have pain, suffering, loss of life’s enjoyment, diminished quality of life, and inconvenience as a result of her injuries.

Brock, who is represented by Patrick Martucci of Johnson, Vorhees and Martucci, is asking for damages and a jury trial.

Breakdown of what's included in my new book Sharing Memories With My Friends

 My new book, Sharing Memories with My Friends, is available now in paperback and e-book formats from Amazon.

My shipment of books won't arrive in Joplin until December 30, according to Amazon, but if any of you want to order single copies for yourself or as a Christmas gift, they should arrive in plenty of time.

The book is a collection of columns I wrote for my nightly Turner Report Newsletter and my short-lived Jukebox Memories blog.

The first segment of the book is a collection of essays about people who are no longer with us, but who made an impact on our lives in one way or another.

Other sections of the book are On the Playing Field, which is devoted to sports memories, Media Memories, Music Memories, Teaching Memories and More Memories, which features some stories that don't quite fit into the other sections.

The book can be ordered at its Amazon page.

The table of contents is posted below:

FRIENDS

Enough Smiles to Last Forever: Remembering Beth Gilbert ...................1

Spreading Her Magic: Remembering Brownie McNeely .........................4

A Cherished Memento: Remembering Barbara McNeely .......................6

Summer Seems So Far Away: Remembering Stan Johnson ....................8

Rooster Booster Mania: Remembering Danny Proctor.......................... 11

Teaching Values: Remembering Justene Womack ................................ 13

Rocking the Joint: Remembering Paul Epperson................................... 16

Late Night Flashbacks: Remembering Hank Rotten, Jr.......................... 19

A Teacher and a Friend: Remembering Caroline Tubbs........................ 21

Those Wonderful Bookstores: Remembering Robyn Thompson and 

 Pat’s Books .............................................................................................. 23

A Full and Productive Life: Remembering Nina Johnston..................... 26

The St. Lou Crew: Remembering Rose Fogarty ...................................... 28

Making A Shiv: Remembering James Payne........................................... 31

The House Where She Lived: Remembering JoAnn Turner ................. 33

Bridge to the Future: Remembering Opal Young .................................. 36

A Memorable Foreword: Remembering Jean Carnahan ...................... 39

Watchful Eye: Remembering Dorothy Parks ........................................... 41

Much Too Young: Remembering Brett Morgan...................................... 44

My Favorite Weatherman: Remembering Lee George.......................... 47

Joining the Heavenly Choir: Remembering Kathy Friend..................... 50

A Good Upbringing: Remembering Joe Bartlett ................................... 52

Proper Respect: Remembering Bill Turner.............................................. 54

Unsung Hero: Remembering Grant Reed ............................................... 56

ON THE PLAYING FIELD

Granby Baseball: Remembering Craig Hopper and 

 the Aroma Express................................................................................. 61

My Favorite Team: Remembering Steve White....................................... 64

The Old Foul Ball Trick: Remembering Dean Keeling............................ 68

The Memorial-McDonald County Showdown: 

 Remembering Cat Johnson.................................................................. 70

Carterville Distractions: Remembering Nancy Cruzan........................... 73

Baseball History: Remembering Carl Lewton Stadium.......................... 75

The Imposter: Remembering the Red Schoendienst Glove ................. 78

A Lesson Learned: Remembering a Coaching Mistake......................... 80

A Wide Strike Zone: Remembering My Umpiring Days ........................ 83

Games in My Mind: Remembering the Turner Ballfield......................... 85

Musical Outfielders: Remembering the Mickey Owen

 Baseball School...................................................................................... 87

MEDIA MEMORIES

Final Edition: Remembering the Newton County News........................ 93

Life in Lockwood: Remembering the Lockwood 

 Luminary-Golden City Herald............................................................... 95

Just Jake Talkin’: Remembering H. J. Johnson and 

 the Mornin’ Mail ..................................................................................... 97

Learning From the Best: Remembering Lou Nell Clark 

 and the Lamar Democrat ....................................................................100

Staying Informed: Remembering Local TV News .................................103

MUSIC MEMORIES

40 Star Survey: Remembering WHB.......................................................108

Room 210 Songbook: Remembering My Classroom Music ...............112

Jam Session in the Driver’s Ed Room: Remembering 

 Russell Wilkie........................................................................................114

Making a Comeback: Remembering Frankie Valli 

 and the Four Seasons ..........................................................................117

TEACHING MEMORIES

More Than a Souvenir: Remembering the Cup O’Nickels ..................122

Divine Intervention: Remembering Room 210 .....................................125

Reaching for the Sky: Remembering Shane Gallagher 

 and the Ceiling of Fame......................................................................128

MORE MEMORIES

Shear Delight: Remembering Ted Arnall and 

 a Good Old-Fashioned Haircut..........................................................132

Return to Stella: Memories of Triway School.........................................137

Six Puppies: Remembering the Newtonia Phone Booth .....................140

Preserving History: Remembering Mom’s Genealogy.........................142

Crazy Cat In the Attic: Remembering Callie ..........................................145

Dad’s Gifts: Remembering Three Toolboxes.........................................148

Overflowing With Wisdom: Remembering a 

 Doctor’s Appointment.........................................................................150

Time in a Bottle: Remembering My High School Graduation.............152

The Long and Winding Roads: Remembering 

 Getting Lost Near Ritchey ...................................................................154

Jukeboxes and Pop Machines: Remembering the Brown Derby.......156

Gone With the Wind: Remembering Newtonia City Hall ....................159

What’s He Doing Here?: Remembering Roy Blunt, 

 Bill Webster and the Lincoln Ladies Ice Cream Social ....................162

The Place to Be: Remembering Northpark Mall...................................165

Photo Feature: Remembering Prayer at a Football Game...................167