Melissa Alexis - KOAM News Now

01/11/2025

❄️Dozens of kids made the most of their snow day by sledding at Schlinger Park in Pittsburg! Kids even had makeshift sleds like laundry baskets, lids, and more. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the safest way to sled is with only one person per sled and to go down the hill feet first.

PITTSBURG, Kan.--Dozens of kids in made the most of their day off from school this morning by heading to Schlinger Park in Pittsburg to enjoy the winter weather.

01/09/2025

🎂The oldest woman in Jasper County turned 105! Helen Hubbard celebrated the milestone surrounded by loved ones. The army vet is known for being a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan. At the celebration, the Mayor of Carthage declared January 8th Helen Hubbard Day.

CARTHAGE, Mo. (KOAM) -- Helen Hubbard made a grand entrance down a red carpet to celebrate her 105th birthday at Saint Luke’s Nursing Center in Carthage on January 8th.

01/08/2025

Cherokee county residents and business owners attended a meeting to discuss strategies for boosting economic growth in the community. While the community has made progress, one of their hurdles is a population that's been decreasing over the last 10 years.

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ks. (KOAM)--A strategic planning meeting was held at the Community Building in Columbus to discuss how to help Cherokee County thrive economically.

01/03/2025

❄️Icy conditions are on the horizon and a Pittsburg driving instructor offered some tips to stay safe behind the wheel. He recommends reducing your speed, using a deicer for better visibility, don’t rush defrosting, and avoid using hot water to melt the ice. For more tips, click the link!

PITTSBURG, Kan.--With potential icy conditions on the way in Pittsburg, Triple A is warning drivers to be extra cautious.

01/03/2025

As cold weather approaches, it’s important for pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their furry friends safe. A local veterinarian says pets being outside in very cold temperatures for extended time can make them susceptible to respiratory issues.

COLUMBUS, Kan. (KOAM) — Brandi Shipley has been raising Great Danes for as long as she can remember, something she learned from her father.

01/01/2025

The new year is bringing some new laws to Oklahoma. The laws relate to healthcare, voting rights, and more. One of the new laws will require health insurance plans to cover fertility preservation for cancer patients, including egg and s***m freezing.

OKLAHOMA (KOAM) - The new year is bringing new laws to Oklahoma. The laws affect things like healthcare, voting rights, and more.

01/01/2025

With New Year’s Eve comes annual traditions like making black eyed peas for dinner, eating 12 grapes at midnight, or setting off fireworks. The manager at Central City Fireworks in Joplin wants to encourage safety as people celebrate with fireworks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 9,000 people were treated at emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2023.

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) —As New Years Eve nears, many celebrate with traditions like preparing black eyed peas for dinner, eating 12 grapes at midnight, or setting off fireworks.

12/31/2024

As New Year's approaches, Pittsburg PD is reminding the public to not drink and drive. Pittsburg law enforcement is participating in the "Taking Down DUI" campaign to keep Kansas roads safe. According to KDOT, during the 2022 to 2023 New Year's Eve holiday period there were 42 alcohol related crashes in Kansas.

PITTSBURG, Kan--As New Year's Eve approaches, many people are excited to celebrate with family and friends.

12/27/2024

Starting January 1, 2025, Kansas will eliminate the state’s grocery sales tax. This completes a 3-year reduction plan to reduce the tax, which started at 6.5%. It dropped to 4% in 2023, and 2% in 2024. Kansas residents will still have county and city grocery taxes.

PITTSBURG, Kan. (KOAM) -- Starting January 1, 2025, Kansas will no longer have a grocery state sales tax.

12/26/2024

Starting January 1st, Missouri’s expungement laws are changing to make it easier to clear criminal records. The changes to expungement laws aren't the only legal updates Missourians can expect in 2025. The state’s minimum wage will rise from $12.30 to $13.75, and stricter distracted driving laws will also go into effect

MISSOURI (KOAM) --On January 1st, Missouri will update its expungement laws, making it easier for individuals to clear their criminal records. Expungement is the official sealing of an arrest or

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas Eve! Tune in to Fox 14 at 9pm and KOAM news at 10pm. Where I join Lindsey Gaffney - KOAM News Now on the anchor desk for the first time!🎄

12/20/2024

30 years ago, Dr. John Cox performed the very first heart catheterization at Freeman Health system. This paved the way for thousands of saved lives. The program has grown and evolved from diagnostics to include interventions.

MIAMI, Okla. (KOAM) --30 years ago, Doctor John Cox performed the very first heart catheterization procedure at Freeman Health System.over the past 30 years, this procedure has saved thousands of

12/20/2024

Economic growth is on the horizon for Ottawa County. At the Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce’s final luncheon of 2024, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell shared his vision for the county’s economic growth and to bring more jobs to the area.

MIAMI, Okla. (KOAM) -- Economic growth is on the horizon for Ottawa County.

12/19/2024

After nearly two decades of work, the Connecticut Avenue expansion project in Joplin is officially complete. The $3.8 million project also adds a sidewalk and bike trail to the road.

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) -After years of construction the final phase of the expansion project on Connecticut Avenue in Joplin has been completed.

12/17/2024

Hope City Church will help eliminate $4.2 million in medical debt for over 3,200 families across Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. This was made possible through the church’s budget and donations from local residents. The effort aims to alleviate stress for those burdened with unpayable debt

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) --Every year before Christmas, Hope City Church in Joplin makes an investment into the community. This year, they're donating money to relieve thousands of people of their

12/17/2024

It's the LAST Toybox Tuesday of 2024! This evening's newscasts are your last chance to help us make a difference by helping to provide toys for local kiddos!

12/17/2024

🎄🎁 Toybox Tuesdays Phone Number: 1-888-620-4TOY (4869) 🎅

Call during KOAM News at 5,6 and 9 to donate during Toybox Tuesday. Volunteers are standing by the phones to take your pledges.

Join us again this year for the KOAM Toybox, one of the area's largest toy drives, supporting kids in Southeast Kansas, Southwest Missouri, and Northeast Oklahoma.

The holiday season is tough for low-income families, and your donation makes a huge difference. Thank you for helping fill the KOAM Toybox and make Christmas special for families in need! 🌟🎁🎄

Equity Bank

12/17/2024

The Cherokee County Health Department hosted an outreach clinic in Galena to help people sign up for KanCare Medicaid, WIC, and lead screenings. Their goal is to help connect people to the resources they need.

GALENA, Kan--Hana Hendry, a Family Advocate Coordinator for the SEK Community Action Program, was once a new mom in need of assistance. She remembers a time when it was difficult