Samantha Walker - KOAM News Now

07/29/2024

Steve Duncan is known in the Joplin music community for his decades of experience playing bass in numerous bands. Now that music community is coming together to support Duncan with a benefit concert as he battles throat cancer.

07/28/2024

I am very lucky to have such a supportive family close by. So supportive that they held a viewing/pizza party for my first time anchoring and dropped off the leftover pizza for our weekend team to enjoy! I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without them!

07/27/2024

Tonight is the night I take to the anchor desk solo for the first time! Anthony Saviello - KOAM News Now is taking a well deserved night off, so I’m helping fill in! Lindsey Gaffney - KOAM News Now is very excited to witness firsthand any mistakes I make 😂. You can catch me tonight on KOAM News Now at 6, 9 and 10!

07/26/2024

Melissa Alexis - KOAM News Now is such a joy to work with, and she’s a great asset to our KOAM News Now team! I hope you love her as much I do!

07/26/2024

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging people in several Oklahoma counties impacted by severe storms in April and May to apply for assistance. FEMA is prepared to help with temporary rental assistance, basic home repairs, personal property loss and other expenses related to storm damage.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging people in several Oklahoma counties impacted by severe storms in April and May to apply for assistance. FEMA is prepared to help with temporary rental assistance, basic home repairs, personal property loss and other expenses related to st...

07/26/2024

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging people impacted by the severe storms in Oklahoma between April 25th and May 9th to apply for assistance ahead of the July 31st deadline.

Several counties are eligible for assistance, including Ottawa County. FEMA representatives say they are prepared to help in a variety of ways including rental assistance, basic home repairs, personal property loss and other expenses related to storm damage.

FEMA representatives say it's important people who may have been impacted apply even if they don't think they qualify. You can learn more tonight on KOAM News Now or learn how to apply at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ .

07/22/2024

It has been more than a year since the City of Joplin created its park ranger program. In that time, the rangers have addressed acts of vandalism and helped to deter other illegal activities. Officials say rangers are intended to not only help build positive connections in the community, but help serve as an alternative to police in certain situations.

It's been more than a year since the City of Joplin created its park ranger program. In that time, the rangers have addressed acts of vandalism and helped to deter other illegal activities. Officials say rangers are intended to not only help build positive connections in the community, but help serv...

07/22/2024

It's been more than 1 year since the City of Joplin created its park ranger program. Tonight on KOAM News Now I'm taking a look at what the role of a ranger entails, and the problems they help address.

Do you have any concerns about city parks? Feel free to leave a comment, and any concerns can also be submitted to the Parks and Recreation Department here: https://seeclickfix.com/web_portal/xoLT6mcTsx3gMPQhgUMk3ynh/report/location https://seeclickfix.com/web_portal/xoLT6mcTsx3gMPQhgUMk3ynh/report/location

07/22/2024

Olson's Ace Hardware in Parsons held a free community event where with the help of VFW Post 704, families could learn proper U.S. flag protocols. They held a flag raising ceremony and taught families how to raise a flag, when it should come down and how to fold it.

07/20/2024

With the start of school only weeks away, more kids are about to make the trip there on bikes. The Humboldt, Kansas Police Department hopes to make sure the young riders are equipped to take to the streets safely by holding a special bicycle safety course.

With the start of school only weeks away, more kids are about to make the trip there on bikes. The Humboldt Police Department hopes to make sure the young riders are equipped to take to the streets safely by holding a special bicycle safety course.

07/20/2024

The Humboldt Police Department is hosting a free bike riding course today, where kids can learn how to safely ride a bike and learn tips on how to stay safe on the streets. Learn more tonight on KOAM News Now!

07/20/2024

It’s so great to have Jordan Keyes - KOAM+ Streaming join the team at KOAM News Now! We are so lucky to have him!

Howdy!

In a world where many folks get their news over the internet, KOAM is always innovating ways to put that information in your hands sooner. That's where I come in—as anchor and producer for KOAM+, our new streaming platform.

A farm kid from Southeast Kansas, I'm no stranger to the Four State area. I couldn't wish for a better place to get involved with communities as our world becomes ever more technology-driven. And what better way through local media?

My goal is to keep you up-to-date on the latest news in the Joplin-Pittsburg market. Coming soon! You’ll be able to join me in the KOAM+ Live Center for hourly updates and breaking news. You can find the KOAM+ Stream in our FREE KOAM+ TV Streaming app. You can also watch the video player on our free news and weather apps as well as at KOAMNewsNow.com/Watch. Learn more here >> https://qrco.de/KOAMstreaming

A little bit about myself: I'm just a country boy who spent most of my young life outside of city limits. I've always had a penchant for media, and so I decided to pursue a career in communications. A graduate of both Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University, I've kept my roots here and—hopefully—for the future.

I'm glad to be on board with this new platform, and can't wait to see what the future holds! Stay tuned, as we'll have more information coming soon.

07/19/2024

Ribbon Road, a historic stretch of original Route 66 highway in Ottawa County, receives thousands of visitors every year. For months a proposal to repair the road has drawn concerns from preservationists and local officials alike. Now a possible compromise has been announced, and while those who hope to save the road agree it's a step in the right direction, they worry it may not be enough to preserve the road for future visitors.

Ribbon Road, a historic stretch of original Route 66 highway in Ottawa County, receives thousands of visitors every year. For months a proposal to repair the road has drawn concerns from preservationists and local officials alike. Now a possible compromise has been announced, and while those who hop...

07/18/2024

Taking a quick break to learn and share some reporting tips with a couple of my favorite people! Anthony Saviello - KOAM News Now. KOAM News Now

07/15/2024

For decades the city of Miami has struggled with flooding, where streets and even homes and businesses frequently fill with water. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the city a $6.3 million grant to help address these concerns. The prospect of change has Miami residents hopeful for the future.

For decades the city of Miami has struggled with flooding, where streets and even homes and businesses frequently fill with water. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the city a $6.3 million grant to help address these concerns. The prospect of change has Miami residents hopef...

07/15/2024

Officials with the City of Miami announced today that they were receiving more than $6 million dollars in FEMA funding to help address flooding prone areas in the city. We will have more details and hear from residents impacted tonight on KOAM News Now.

07/14/2024

Small businesses like The Donkey's Den in Miami came together for the Weekend of Local, a statewide event that emphasizes the importance of shopping locally.

07/13/2024

Joplin Mayor Keenan Cortez sat at a table in Zinc Coffee, ready to have one-on-one conversations with community members about the issues they care about in the city. He addressed questions and concerns regarding the city budget, transportation and proposed city projects.

07/12/2024

The Frontenac City Council recently approved the annexation of roughly 500 acres of land which will be used for a housing development as well as provide land for the site of the future Freeman hospital. For the community, it an opportunity to grow physically and economically.

07/07/2024

After seeing declining ticket sales following the pandemic and the rise of streaming platforms, movie theaters are seeing a comeback with new movies breaking box office records. For local theaters, it's a welcome sign.

07/06/2024

Cherryvale might be a small town, but its community is close. For the first time, vendors gathered in a small gravel parking lot to set up for the Cherryvale Makers Market. Community members were excited to support each other, and several booths sold out by the end of the morning.

07/06/2024

The chances of seeing a large pet tortoise while doing a story on a small farmers market is low, but never zero.

07/05/2024

According to the American Kennel Club, more pets runaway during the 4th of July weekend than any other time of year. The Joplin Humane Society has tips on how you can help your pet be identified and how you can help if you find a lost animal.

07/05/2024

Happy Fourth of July everyone! I’m enjoying my evening with my family with our traditional dinner and small firework show! 🎆🎇🧨

07/01/2024

While many choose to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, the loud noises the tradition brings can be stressful for some, especially animals. The Joplin Humane Society Animal Adoption & Resource Center is partnering with Pyro Penny to offer a silent firework stand, with proceeds going to help reunite lost pets with their families.

While many choose to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, the loud noises the tradition brings can be stressful for some, especially animals. The Joplin Humane Society is partnering with Pyro Penny's to offer a silent firework stand, with proceeds going to help reunite lost pets with their fam...

06/30/2024

For people across the country, fireworks are a staple part of Independence Day celebrations. Data from 2023 reports Missourians spend the most out of all Americans on fireworks, something sellers like Central City Fireworks spend months preparing for.

For people across the country, fireworks are a staple part of Independence Day celebrations. Data from 2023 reports Missourians spend the most out of all Americans on fireworks, something sellers like Central City Fireworks spend months preparing for.

06/29/2024

The Sirens Beepball ,an all female Beep Baseball team, took to the field for the first game at the Adaptive Sports Field for the Blind in Carthage. The field, developed by the MLV Foundation , allows for everyone to have a chance to play.

The Sirens, all female Beep Baseball team, took to the field for the first game at the Adaptive Sports Field for the Blind in Carthage. The field, developed by the MLV Foundation, allows for everyone to have a chance to play.

06/29/2024

Do you hear that rhythmic beeping coming out of the ball? It’s a part of Beep Baseball, a sport for those who are visually impaired. The beeping helps players know the ball is! I’ll have more on the game and a new adaptive sports field in Carthage tonight on KOAM News Now!

06/28/2024

First time going live for KOAM News Now! Catch me tonight at 6 where I have the details on the City of Pittsburg’s upcoming public trash service.

06/24/2024

Some Pittsburg Aquatic Center attendees have concerns regarding the cleanliness of the facility, including reports of potential black mold in the bathrooms. The Director of Parks and Recreation says it is an issue they are addressing, and that the facilities are safe to the public.

Some Pittsburg Aquatic Center attendees have concerns regarding the cleanliness of the facility, including reports of potential black mold in the bathrooms. The Director of Parks and Recreation says it is an issue they are addressing, and that it is safe to the public.