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FEMA Park Update
Nine months after a deadly tornado tore through Joplin, what's the status of those living in the FEMA housing sites on the north end of town?

"The total number of occupied units we had at the peak, which was last October, were 586.  We're down to 470 occupied units.  So that puts us at 116 families have moved out."

FEMA spokeswoman Crystal Peyton tells News Talk KZRG they're happy to see the progress made so far. Those living in the temporary homes have until November 7th to find permanent housing.

FEMA Trailer Scam
There's a new scam going around Joplin's FEMA trailer park. Joplin Police Lieutenant Matt Stewart gives News Talk KZRG the details.

"There may be some people that are representing themselves as FEMA employees.  And they're contacting residents of the FEMA park and trying to sell one of the temporary housing units to them."

Stewart says the trailers will be for sale after people move out of them, but FEMA isn't handling that. If you've been approached by someone claiming to be from FEMA, contact Joplin Police at 623-3131.

If you want to buy a temporary housing unit, go to www.gsaauctions.gov.

Joplin Humane Society Completely Full

They're full again. The Joplin Humane Society took in 374 animals since February 1st, according to Outreach Coordinator Tianna Fisher, who tells News Talk KZRG the warmer weather's partially to blame. 

"We think a lot of it has to do with the fact that we've had a mild winter. It's warmer than normal, so people are more likely to leave their pets outside. Then

McAuley Athletic Director Fired, School Not Commenting
McAuley Catholic High School is looking for a new athletic director, football coach, boys basketball coach and golf coach. Monday the school fired the man who had all those jobs, Chuck Williams. In a statement announcing the firing, McAuley Principal Gene Koester did not give a reason. Koester also turned down News Talk KZRG's request for an interview.
Williams
Fired

OK Lawmakers Reject PSE Restricting Law
An Oklahoma House committee has narrowly rejected a bill that would require a prescription to purchase certain cold medicines. The House Public Health Committee voted 7-6 against the bill that would have required a prescription to purchase tablets containing pseudoephedrine. A similar bill was killed last week in a Senate committee, which means the issue has little chance of being revived this

City Council Appoints Tornado Fund Trustees
The Joplin City Council has appointed a five person board of trustees to oversee the Tornado First Response Fund. Mayor Mike Woolston tells News Talk KZRG the fund has over $840,000.

"Those folks will decide who is going to receive that.  I'm guessing they will have some sort of an application process or whatever, but the bylaws of the fund dictate that the funds have to goto organizations, cannot go to individuals. And so I'm sure they'll be getting that word out."

Fred Mason, Phil Stinnett, Paul Teberow, Ron Darby and Gary Duncan make up the board of trustees. The money is to go toward rebuilding Joplin. But City Manager Mark Rohr has suggested using money from the fund to buy weather radios for people who don't have one.

Joplin Council Approves Siren Policy
You won't be hearing storm siren tests as often in Joplin. Tuesday night, the Joplin City Council okayed a plan that would have tests on the first and third Mondays of each month, rather than every Monday. Fire Chief Mitch Randles tells News Talk KZRG they want the sirens to mean something.

"People hear the sirens during the testing and the other warnings and they get desensitized to those sirens.  So what we're trying to do by limiting the number of testings is to limit the number of times people hear the sirens to only when they need to take cover."

The Council also approved spending $170,000 to replace two sirens, upgrade 16 other sirens and add the capability for sirens to be started by a home computer in case of a power outage.

More on WC Pseudoephedrine Sales

News Talk KZRG has been telling you two Webb City pharmacies are in Missouri's top ten for sales of medicines with pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in making meth. Sergeant Jason Grellner of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, and president of the Missouri Narcotics Officers Association, gives News Talk KZRG a comparison between this past January and January 2011.

"The Walgreens store is up 400 or 500 percent from 350 to over 1500 boxes sold.  And the Walmart store's up a good 50 percent from just about 860 to over 1100 in this January alone."

Grellner says a big factor is Joplin's decision last year to require a prescription to get any drug with pseudoephedrine.

 

 

Aquatics Center Meeting
The City of Joplin is having a public meeting Wednesday night about a new aquatics facility. City Spokeswoman Lynn Onstot tells News Talk KZRG you can tell Parks Department personnel what you'd like an aquatics facility to have.

"What they'd like to see.  Maybe what they've enjoyed at other area aquatic centers.  Just give us some general ideas on what they'd like to see in their summer recreation."

The meeting is Wednesday night at 7 at the Joplin Athletic Complex on West First Street.

 

1000 Volunteers For Joplin Habitat Challenge
One thousand. That's how many people have signed up to volunteer to build 35 homes in Joplin this summer through Governor Nixon's Joplin Habitat Challenge. Habitat for Humanity and Missouri's pro sports teams are teaming up to build the homes. Nixon says his goal is five thousand volunteers. You can get more information at www.JoplinChallenge.mo.gov.

Neosho Council To Talk Parks
Tonight the Neosho City Council will decide whether to hire a consulting firm to assess the city's parks system. Mayor Richard Davidson tells News Talk KZRG what the city wants to accomplish.

"This is more of a general approach to look at the facilities we have, invite the community to come down and share their visions of what they'd like to see in the parks for the next five or ten years."

Davidson says the Neosho Council sees a need to invest some money in the city's parks. Tonight's city council meeting starts at 7 at Neosho City Hall.

 

Mercy Village Reopens
It was a long-awaited homecoming for more than 60 low-income senior citizens in Joplin today as Mercy Village reopened. Resident Marge Hansheu tells News Talk KZRG it means a lot to her:

"Oh, I'm so glad. I've lived here all this time, and I really like it, and I'm happy to be back home."

She has been living at Mercy Village since it opened in 2005, and she got to
Mercy Village
Reopens

Term Limit Bill Endorsed By MO Senate
Missouri voters could get to decide whether to impose term limits on all executive officeholders under a proposal endorsed by the state Senate. Right now Missouri's governor and treasurer are limited to two, four-year terms. The proposed constitutional amendment would also limit the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general and auditor to two, four-year terms. Senators

Joplin Schools Almost Done Acquiring Properties For High School
Four to go. The Joplin School District is on the verge of acquiring the last four properties it needs for building a new high school. Paul Barr, the Joplin District's Chief Financial Officer, tells News Talk KZRG deals for the final four are nearly completed.

"We're confident that all of the sales will go through and we'll own all of the properties in the coming weeks. We have

Joplin Mercy Village Reopens Today
An affordable housing complex for low-income seniors that was destroyed by the deadly Joplin tornado nine months ago will reopen today. Mercy Village was among the thousands of buildings destroyed by the May 22 tornado that killed 161 people. The 66-unit complex next to the destroyed St. John's Regional Medical Center is the first facility operated by the federal Department of Housing and
Mercy Village
Reopening

Joplin Council to Talk Tornado Fund, Storm Sirens
A board of trustees that will decide how to spend money from the Joplin Tornado First Response Fund will be appointed at the City Council meeting tonight. Five people are expected to be named to the board, two of which were affected by the May 22nd tornado, while the other three are just residents of the city at large. There's already a proposal to use $250,000 from the fund to buy a
Joplin Council
Preview

Webb City Stores Rank High In Pseudoephedrine Sales
You've heard the saying "follow the money." Missouri law enforcement says if you follow pseudoephedrine sales, you'll find meth labs. Pseudoephedrine is a key ingredient in making meth..and Sergeant Jason Grellner of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office tells News Talk KZRG they keep tabs on pseudoephedrine sales statewide and meth arrests.

"If you're in the top 30 stores in the state of Missouri, you're average 1015 boxes per month, while the rest of the state is averaging 183 boxes a month.  That's a full 500% increase."

Grellner says two Webb City pharmacies, Walgreens and Walmart, are in Missouri's top ten for sales of pseudoephedrine in January.  The Walgreens sold 1560 boxes, second highest of any store in the state.  While the Webb City Walmart sold 1130 boxes, which was seventh highest.

 
 

OK Considers Drug Tests For Welfare
Kansas isn't the only state looking at drug testing for some welfare recipients. A similar bill passed today in an Oklahoma House subcommittee. The bill's sponsor, Representative Guy Liebmann of Oklahoma City, says the recipient would pay for the test and then be reimbursed if they test negative for drugs. Liebmann says the bill is based on a Florida measure that is currently being challenged in federal court as unconstitutional. 

Joplin Senior Center Dedicates New Flag, Flagpole

A new flagpole and US flag were dedicated at the Joplin Senior Center this morning. Ken Tucker, a past state commander of the American Legion, tells News Talk KZRG it's good to see "Old Glory" flying again after last May's tornado took out the previous pole.

"It means a lot to me. Of course, that old flag flying anywhere means a lot to me. Especially with all the

Improvements Made at Jasper County Jail
Inmates in the Jasper County Jail will find themselves on camera more than they have in the past. Sheriff Archie Dunn tells News Talk KZRG 68 new cameras have been put in the jail and that's helped guards keep an eye on prisoners.

"We couldn't move the camera, it was stationary, and there were places where inmates could hide from the cameras and they knew that. So there'd be

MSSU Tuition Going Up
It'll cost more to attend Missouri Southern State University next year. The university's Board of Governors Friday voted to increase tuition by $6.48 per credit hour in the fall semester. That's almost a four percent increase. The board also accepted a budget committee recommendation that there be no across-the-board salary increases in fiscal year 2013. MSSU President Bruce Speck

Man's Skeletal Remains Found in Ottawa County
Ottawa County authorities say skeletal remains have been found in a wooded area near Cardin. The remains were found Friday night by two men who then called the sheriff's office. Authorities say the remains are believed to be that of a white or Hispanic man between the ages of 18 and 35. The remains were sent to the state medical examiner's office to determine a cause of death. Officials

Joplin Habitat Seeks Families For 35-Home Build
This summer, the Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity will team up with Missouri's pro sports teams and Governor Jay Nixon to build 35 homes in Joplin. Director Scott Clayton says they're looking for people to put in those houses.

"We are selecting partner families, but we also need partner families to apply. And we have a great family services coordinator here, and a great family

Local State Rep Pushing For English-Only Driver's Exam
A personal experience has Webb City State Representative Charlie Davis supporting a bill this week that would make the state driver's license exam only available in English in Missouri. He tells News Talk KZRG it all got started when his daughter had a fender-bender.

"We had to sit and wait for over an hour for an interpreter to arrive because police couldn't talk to the
Missouri
Driver Exam

Joplin Siren Policy To Be Discussed
Joplin officials will hear about proposed changes to the city's storm-siren policy this week. The possible policy changes are in response to a National Weather Service investigation after the May 22nd tornado that killed 161 people. Officials have been studying why some people didn't take cover when sirens went off. The City Council's meeting is tomorrow night; News Talk KZRG will be
Joplin
Storm Sirens

Joplin CVB Halts Reprinting of Controversial Maps
When news broke last month of a so-called "tornado tourism map" being published by the Joplin Convention and Visitors' Bureau, the public response was mostly negative. Now printing of those maps has been halted. Joplin CVB Director Patrick Tuttle has confirmed to the Los Angeles Times the maps won't be reprinted anytime soon. Many were upset that the map combined a colorful logo
Joplin
Tornado Maps

JHS Demolition Starts
Demolition at Joplin High School is underway. There had been several delays with taking down the tornado-damaged building between salvaging, getting the necessary permits and removing water from the basement. Director of Construction Mike Johnson tells News Talk KZRG enough asbestos has been removed to allow demolition to begin.

"It is on the north end, there's still a little bit they're still wrapping up on the south end in the tunnels.  But it's substantially complete at this time." 

You can see photos from the demolition on News Talk KZRG's Facebook page.

Work Progressing on Joplin's Zora Interchange Project
Work on a major interchange in Joplin is moving forward. City Transportation Engineer Dave Hunt tells News Talk KZRG the project will focus on bridging Zora Street to the city's west side.

"It consists of channeling Zora over the top of Main Street. It's also going to eliminate a railroad crossing that, for a long time, has been ranked among the ten most dangerous in

Long Defends Support of Romney

"My opinion is no better than anyone else's," says Missouri US Congressman Billy Long.

He continues to endorse Mitt Romney as the GOP Presidential Nominee despite the majority of the 7th District voting for Rick Santorum in the non-binding Missouri Primary.

"Our primary in Missouri was very ill-conceived from day one, as you know. It was a 'winner takes

Police, Volunteers Search for Missing Man
Police in Ottawa County have joined a multi-agency manhunt for a man who's been missing for about a month. 31 year old Beau Pierce of Bentonville, Arkansas was last seen at Bordertown Casino in the Seneca/Wyandotte area on January 24th, where he appeared to be drunk in surveillance video. Since then, he's been missing. Police are searching a 600-acre area behind the casino after
Missing
Man
Mizzou adds another recruit for 2012 class
The Missouri football program has added Brandon Holifield of Tallahassee, Fla., to the 2012 recruiting, as announced today by Head Coach Gary Pinkel. Holifield is a 6-foot-5 inch, 215-pound tight end from Godby High School, where he has been a standout in both track and basketball. He?s only played football during his senior year at Godby, and [...]
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Ohio church offers drive-thru for Ash Wednesday

An Ohio church is offering a drive-thru Ash Wednesday blessing for parishioners who might be pressed for time.
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Legislators look at several bills that expand gun rights (AUDIO)
The House General Laws Committee is looking at a bill that would protect businesses from getting sued if criminal activity against the business resulted in killing or injuring a patron. Sponsor Stanley Cox (R-Sedalia) is sponsoring the measure, which also lets patrons keep guns in their cars. Missourians for Personal Safety says the bill just [...]
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New Jersey police officer gets three years for evidence room drug thefts

A veteran New Jersey police officer has been sentenced to three years in state prison for stealing cocaine from an evidence room under his control.
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Mizzou women lose at Iowa State
The Missouri Women's Basketball team dropped an overtime contest at Iowa State 66-59. Three Tigers scored in the double figures as Mizzou held the Cyclones to just 29.3 percent from the field. Three Tigers also fouled out. In a game where Mizzou was whistled for fouls 30 times compared to just 14 for Iowa State, [...]
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Possible love triangle eyed in California murder-suicide

Police are looking into the possibility that a love triangle might have motivated a 73-year-old man to fatally shoot a 62-year-old man outside the headquarters of the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District.
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La Russa talking with MLB about work
Former Cardinals manager Tony La Russa has talked to Major League Baseball's Commissioner Bud Selig about working in the league. While La Russa didn't give details, he will not be taking over Joe Torre's job as executive VP of baseball operations.  Details are still being worked out.  La Russa couldn't stay away from the field [...]
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Crime at US schools dropping, report says

Crimes and homicides in public schools nationwide have declined, part of a downward trend seen over the past several years.
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House committee hears update from State Budget Director
The Nixon Administration has laid out its ideas for filling in the $460 million dollar hole in the fiscal year 2013 budget to the House Budget Committee.   The gap in the budget had been $500 million but a recent mortgage settlement secured by the Attorney General's Office has knocked that number down by $40 [...]
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2 shot at Wal-Mart distribution center in Virginia

A fire department spokeswoman says two people have been shot at a Wal-Mart distribution in central Virginia.
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Religious freedom or reproductive rights? (AUDIO)
A proposed law described as one protecting religious beliefs and moral convictions runs into critics who charge it's dangerously vague and is more interested in this year's elections than in protecting religions. The bill would let employers refuse to provide health insurance coverage for sterilization, abortion, and contraception. He filed the bill in reaction to [...]
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Arkansas man charged with murder of teen he met online pleads not guilty

A convicted rapist accused of killing a 16-year-old girl he met online pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder Wednesday, several days after authorities found the girl's body in a blue, plastic barrel in western Arkansas.
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Mizzou swept by K-State (AUDIO)
The third ranked Missouri Tigers shot just 38% for the game, including just 8 of 26 from long range as the Kansas State Wildcats come into Mizzou Arena and win 78-68. Missouri, down by as many as 16, cut it to 4 after two free throws by Michael Dixon with 2:21 left, but Jordan Henriquez [...]
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Remains confirmed as 'Speed Freak' victims

Human remains uncovered in Northern California with the help of a convicted serial killer have been confirmed as two of his victims.
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California-state man pleads guilty to distributing altered chemotherapy drugs
A man from the state of California admits he has been part of a conspiracy to distributed adulterated chemotherapy drugs throughout the United States.  The federal prosecutor in St. Louis says James Newcomb will forfeit $1.4 million dollars he earned in the enterprise. Some of the adulterated drugs went to oncologist Abid Nisar in Town and [...]
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Joplin Schools Superintendent CJ Huff on KZRG Morning News Watch




Huff talks more about a controversial bond issue, and answers listener questions, on the 2/22/12 edition of the KZRG Morning News Watch.

MO Congressman Billy Long on the KZRG Morning News Watch




Congressman Long defends his decision to endorse Mitt Romney to Josh Marsh and the KZRG Morning News Watch.

State Rep. Charlie Davis on the KZRG Morning News Watch




Davis gives Josh the MO Legislative Update for the week of 2/17/12.

Sgt. Mike Watson, MO Highway Patrol, on the KZRG Morning News Watch




Watson gives Josh Marsh some tips about highway safety on the KZRG Morning News Watch.

John Putnam, Jasper County GOP, on the KZRG Morning News Watch




Putnam speaks with Chad and Josh on the 2/15/12 edition of the KZRG Morning News Watch about the upcoming Republican Caucus.

One on One: With Jim Jackson




Longtime local reporter Jim Jackson talks with News Talk KZRG's Darrin Wright about his decision to run for the Newton County Commission, and what that means for his career.
Sean Hannity
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