Melissa Alexis - KOAM News Now

10/10/2024

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, linemen from Carthage Water and Electric Plant were on the ground in Tallahassee, working to restore power for residents. They tackled issues such as fallen pine trees that brought down power lines.

CARTHAGE, Mo. --In an effort to restore power after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, linemen from Carthage Water and Electric Plant (CWEP) were on the ground in Tallahassee."These folks

10/08/2024

Golden Paw Pet Rescue in Joplin has seen a rise in dumped animals at their facility, with 18 dogs abandoned in just two days. The owner of Golden Paw reminds pet owners to consider spaying/neutering their pets to help prevent this issue.

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) -The Golden Paw animal shelter in Joplin is having an overwhelming influx of animals being dumped at their facililty.Mary Ann Schlau, the owner of Golden Paw, reported

10/04/2024

The City of Girard will begin sidewalk repairs in several areas, including around the Girard Public Library on West Prairie Street. The aim is to increase safety and accessibility for residents.

GIRARD, Kan. --The City of Girard will begin repairs on several sidewalks, including near the Girard Public Library on West Prairie Street.

10/01/2024

Hi everyone! I’m working on a story about the impact of Helene and would like to hear from anyone who has volunteered, knows someone who has volunteered, or plans to volunteer in the affected areas. If you have a relative or loved one impacted by the storm, I’d like to arrange a Zoom interview about their experience. Thank you so much!

10/01/2024

At Wolf Creek Park in Grove over 25 amphibious planes touched down on the water, drawing a huge crowd of people. These planes flew in from all over the U.S. on their way to a national convention.

Amphibious planes landed at Wolf Creek Park and drew a large crowd.

09/24/2024

As the election approaches, O-Gah-Pah Communication, OIBA, UNIO, and Rock the Native Vote are collaborating to encourage Native American voters to get registered to vote. They will be helping people check their status and become registered so that their voices are heard in the upcoming election.

OTTAWA COUNTY, Okla. (KOAM) --As the upcoming election approaches, O-Gah-Pah Communication collaborated with OIBA, UNIO, and Rock the Native Vote to encourage Native American people to register to vote.

09/19/2024

Fort Scott City Commission approved the demolition of several homes that they consider unsafe or beyond repair. This is being done to in hopes of replacing decrepit homes with livable homes or businesses, especially because affordable housing is a need in Fort Scott.

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (KOAM) -The Fort Scott City Commission has approved the demolition of several rundown homes that have been a concern for the community.Earlier this month, they reviewed six

09/17/2024

Joplin is adding new streetlights along 15th Street, from Range Line to Main St., to increase safety at night. This upgrade is part of Joplin's streetlight program, with new streetlights also coming to South Schifferdecker and Prigmore.

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) --If you’ve driven down 15th Street in Joplin at night, you might have noticed it's a bit dark.That will change soon because the City of Joplin is

09/16/2024

Crowder College EMS students recently saw a medical helicopter landing on their Neosho campus! This training helps prepare them for emergency medical situations where air ambulances are needed. EMS training is especially important due to the shortage of filled EMS positions across the country.

NEOSHO, Mo. --Crowder College EMS students had an opportunity to have a helicopter land on their Neosho campus, providing students with real-world training on how to prepare for a medical

09/16/2024

The SEK Recovery House in Iola, is facing financial difficulties and is at risk of closing. The house has provided stability and support to many people in recovery, and they hope to continue serving the community. They're currently fundraising and accepting donations on their page Thrive Allen County

ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. (KOAM) -The SEK recovery house provides struggling addicts with housing and stability, so they can focus on recovery and getting back on their feet.

09/15/2024

Such a meaningful evening at the Go Gold Gala for the Christian Heady Foundation! Their work to bring hope and joy to children facing cancer is truly amazing.
https://www.christianheadyfoundation.com 🎗️

09/11/2024

The City of Pittsburg passed ordinances tonight targeting shopping cart theft and rummaging through trash bins. It's now illegal to remove shopping carts from stores and search through trash bins without permission. One of their goals is to avoid litter throughout the city.

PITTSBURG, Kan. (KOAM) - The City of Pittsburg has proposed ordinances to address issues of shopping cart theft and rummaging through trash bins.

09/07/2024

The first harm reduction vending machine in Ottawa County is located at The Stables Casino in Miami. It provides Narcan, fentanyl testing kits, medication disposal bags and more. Their goal is to minimize fatal overdoses, lead people to recovery, and spark conversations about addiction.

OTTAWA COUNTY, Okla. (KOAM) --The very first harm reduction vending machine in Ottawa County is located inside The Stables Casino.

09/05/2024

A Missouri woman is cycling 700 miles to honor her late brother who died from a fentanyl overdose. Her mission is to raise awareness about drug overdose prevention and break the stigma around discussing addiction.

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) --A Missouri woman is on a bike ride from Amarillo Texas to Missouri to honor her late brother, Karl Krupp, and raise awareness about drug overdose prevention.

09/04/2024

The Kitchen Collective & Collaborative received a grant to purchase equipment for their kitchen. This will provide farmers with the space and equipment to turn their fresh produce into value-added products, providing the Bourbon County community with more healthy, locally grown food options.

The Kitchen Collective and Collaborative in Fort Scott has been awarded a grant for their commercial kitchen.

09/03/2024

The Oklahoma Department of Education lowered the cutoff scores for proficiency in state tests without communicating the change. This resulted in more students being inaccurately deemed proficient. Miami Schools use the Overall Performance Index to help them get a fuller picture of student progress, and they highlight that test scores aren't the only indicator of student success.

MIAMI, Okla. (KOAM) -- Oklahoma schools are adjusting to an unannounced change in state test scoring policies.

08/29/2024

Girard, KS is in the process of revitalizing its town square. They hope to upgrade businesses, bring in new businesses, add a stage for concerts, and a park.
The "Pitch Your Porch" program allows local businesses to apply for grants to improve the front of their stores.

GIRARD, Kan. (KOAM) -- The Girard community is taking steps to revitalize its town square, through various initiatives.

08/23/2024

🏡 The Joplin Home Rehabilitation Program offers up to $25,000 to help qualifying homeowners with exterior house repairs. Funding is first-come, first-served, and can provide help for things like roofing, HVAC, windows and more. This is being done in an effort to revitalize the Joplin community.

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) – Home repairs can be costly, but the Joplin Home Rehabilitation Program is stepping in to help homeowners in low-income neighborhoods with these expenses.The program aims to

08/22/2024

Pitt State now offers 24/7 mental health support through the Telus Health app. This will make access to support more flexible while students navigate a busy school schedule.

PITTSBURG, Kan. (KOAM) - Pitt State University has introduced a new 24/7 online mental health service accessible through the Telus app.

08/21/2024

The Peoria Tribe has been awarded a USDA grant to upgrade their kitchen and create an on-site garden at Woodland Academy. This will allow for more meal options and provide hands-on learning for students. 🌱🍎

MIAMI, Okla. (KOAM) - The Peoria Tribe received the USDA's Patrick Leahy Farm to School grant, which will benefit nutrition and wellbeing for students in their Early Education Program.

08/16/2024

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, traffic fatalities spike, especially among teens. A driving instructor and Pittsburg Police reminds the public to stay safe, avoid distractions while behind the wheel, and always buckle up.

PITTSBURG, Kan. (KOAM) -- The period of time from Memorial Day to Labor Day sees a spike in traffic-related fatalities, especially involving teen drivers.

08/14/2024

Abortion was added to the Missouri ballot yesterday and Missourians will vote whether or not to legalize abortion in November.

MISSOURI (KOAM) - Missouri voters will decide this November on a constitutional amendment that could reverse the state's current near-total abortion ban.

08/13/2024

McDonald County School District is seeing a boost in teachers due to their new four-day school week! This change has helped fill all of their teaching positions for the first time in years.✏️🍎

McDonald County sees a boost in teacher staffing after moving to a four-day work week.

08/10/2024

A new Early Learning Center is opening in Neodesha! The new center will provide much-needed childcare and early education to the Neodesha community.

New Early Learning Center opens in Neodesha.

08/09/2024

A Pittsburg business received counterfeit money. They want to alert other small business owners so they don't get cheated out of their hard earned money.

Pitt Discount Liquor store received counterfeit money. The owner wants to alert other small business owners