MO US House Redistricting Map Upheld
A state trial judge has upheld Missouri's new congressional map, rejecting arguments that the redrawn districts don't meet the requirements of the state constitution. The new eight-district U.S. House map was challenged in two lawsuits that claimed the districts weren't sufficiently compact. Cole County Circuit Judge Dan Green rejected the argument in a ruling Friday, following a three-day hearing earlier in the week. Last month, the Missouri Supreme Court ordered further legal review of the redistricting map.

Animal Cruelty Arrest
A Pittsburg woman has been arrested for cruelty to animals. Police got a tip about the welfare of dogs at a residence on West 18th Street Thursday afternoon. Officers saw two dogs in the backyard that appeared to be malnourished. Inside, there were two more dogs that looked malnourished and three dead puppies in the basement. 21-year-old Savannah Smith is charged with seven counts of cruelty to animals. The four surviving dogs have been taken to the Pittsburg Animal Shelter. 

Joplin Turned Down For Individual Storm Shelters
The City of Joplin's request for funding for individual storm shelters has been turned down by the State Emergency Management Agency. Assistant City Manager Sam Anselm tells News Talk KZRG the state put a priority on helping areas flooded along the Missouri River. "They basically just didn't have enough funding to fund all of the projects.  And the state's priority is on community shelters above residential storm shelters." Anselm says the City is still looking for ways to help pay for individual storm shelters.

McDonald County Fatal
A woman from Lanagan has died in a one vehicle accident a half mile south of Anderson. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 71-year-old Virginia Jackson was northbound on State Highway 59 when she ran off the right side of the road, overcorrected and hit a rock bluff. Jackson was airlifted to a Joplin hospital where she died. The wreck happened at 8:45am this morning.

Joplin Master Developer Applicants
The next step of Joplin's recovery from last May's deadly tornado is taking shape. Jane Cage of the Citizens Advisory Recovery Team says six groups have applied to become the master developer in the recovery effort. "The deadline was Tuesday afternoon at 5 and we got six responses back." And did that meet expectations? "You know, I don't think we really knew what to expect.  I can tell you I'm really pleased with what we got back so far." Cage tells News Talk KZRG what role a master developer will play is still being determined, but one responsibility will be to help figure out how to spend $45-million in federal grant money the city will be getting.

St. Mary's Gets $3,000 Donation For Music Program
 The music department at St. Mary's Elementary School in Joplin got a welcome boost yesterday from the Vivian Leon Fund for the Musical Arts, to the tune of $3,000. Vivian Leon herself tells News Talk KZRG the fund usually issues money to classical music programs, but the May 22nd tornado changed things. "This year, because of the tornado, we'd like to help with the

Two Killed, One Hurt In Early Morning Crash
 Two Joplin men were killed today in an early morning crash in Joplin. Corporal Dan Haskins of the Joplin Police Department tells News Talk KZRG it happened near the intersection of West 32nd and Ashwood at just after 2am. "It was a single vehicle crash, a 2004 Infinity. It was westbound on 32nd, lost control at Ashwood, went into the ditch and vaulted end

Brownback Warned
A prosecutor is warning Kansas legislators and Governor Sam Brownback to preserve records about meetings at Brownback's official residence for an investigation of allegations that the sessions violated the state's open meetings law. Shawnee County District Attorney Chad Taylor sent a letter to all 165 lawmakers directing them to preserve potentially relevant evidence, including electronic files, for possible production later. Brownback invited Republicans from 13 legislative committees to seven dinners in January. He says the meetings were legal.

World Series Trophy in Joplin
The St. Louis Cardinals' World Series trophy was in Joplin Thursday. Fans who stopped by US Cellular got to see the trophy and have their picture taken with it. Phyllis Pim of Joplin wished her late husband could have been there to see it. "And my husband passed away in June, so he didn't get to see the end of it (the World Series season).  But he had been a Cardinal fan, a die-hard Cardinal fan.  I mean, that was our vacation every year, was going to ballparks." Phyllis says she and her husband became fans when the Cardinals came to Joplin High School in 1951.

What MoDOT Isn't Spending On Plowing
With winter weather staying away from the Four States this year, MoDOT hasn't had to spend money on salt, snow plowing and the like. Bob Edwards of MoDOT compares what they've spent this winter on snow removal and last winter. "Probably in the neighborhood of $600,000.  Last year at this time, we were in the midst of spending more than $2,000,000 during the blizzard." Edwards points out what MoDOT isn't spending for snow removal IS being spent on maintenance. He tells News Talk KZRG one benefit to the lack of snowfall is there's less damage to Missouri roads.

Lant Wants Tax Break For Storm Shelters
A state representative from Joplin is sponsoring a bill that would give a tax break for people who want to put in a storm shelter. Bill Lant's bill would give a one-time tax deduction of $2500 for buying and installing a shelter. Lant told the House's Ways and Means Committee Thursday 800 people would be able to participate on a first come, first served basis for a maximum of two million dollars a year. 

Koster Sues Contractor
Missouri's Attorney General is suing a contractor for stiffing Joplin tornado victims. Chris Koster filed suit Thursday against ABP Quality Construction of Branson West. The suit alleges that after homeowners paid thousands of dollars for cabinets, tile and appliances, the company stopped working on the homes and didn't deliver supplies customers had paid for. Koster is also seeking a restraining order on ABP's owner, E. Brian Sides of Reeds Spring. 

Attempted Rape Conviction
A Diamond man is looking at spending the rest of his life in prison without parole. A Newton County jury Thursday convicted 56-year-old Gilbert Hagebusch of attempted forcible rape for an incident that happened in September 2010. Since Hagebusch has three prior convictions for sex offenses, he was tried as a prior and persistent offender. Therefore, he'll get a mandatory life sentence.

UM Tuition Update
University of Missouri curators want to see more spending cuts in non-academic programs before they agree to raise tuition at the system's four campuses. The governing board met Thursday at the University of Missouri-Kansas City to discuss a proposed tuition increase for the 2012-13 academic year. Administrators are recommending a 7.5 percent tuition increase for Missouri residents attending the Columbia campus and even larger increases at the St. Louis and Rolla campuses. The Kansas City campus would see a 3 percent increase. Several board members told campus leaders to keep looking for cost savings, even as the university touted changes that saved the system $132 million in 2011. A university spokeswoman says the Board of Curators expects to vote on the proposed tuition increase at a special meeting in February.

Tracker To Layoff 112 in Miami
More than a hundred workers at Tracker Marine in Miami will be losing their jobs soon. Tracker spokesman Larry Whiteley tells News Talk KZRG the reason for the layoffs. "The permanent layoff is a result of the ongoing decline of the boat industry, with the company's view being that significant reduction in customer demand for this product will continue for the unforseeablefuture." Tracker plans to move its Tahoe boat line to its facility in Clinton, Missouri. Whiteley says the Miami plant will still have 65 employees for its new Mako boat line. The layoffs will start in about 60 days.

MSSU Cancer Awareness Night Saturday
Missouri Southern's Athletics Department will hold its fifth annual Cancer Awareness Night Saturday when the Lions basketball teams host Missouri Western. Associate Athletic Director Kevin Greim tells News Talk KZRG their purpose is two-fold. "One is to raise some money for some local charities that are very centered in cancer research and cancer detection: the American Cancer Society and the Hope 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation. And then the other real emphasis for us to just get some information out there to people." Cancer survivors will get free admission. Saturday's womens game starts at 5:30, mens game at 7:30 at Leggett and Platt Center. The Lions womens team will wear special pink jerseys Saturday.  Those jerseys will be auctioned off.  You can put in a bid at: <a href="http://www.mssulions.com/pink_jersey_auction">http://www.mssulions.com/pink_jersey_auction</a>.

Joplin Schools Prepare For Project Graduation
The Joplin School District's gearing up for one final party for the class of 2012. Fundraising Chair Debbie Franks says she's looking to raise $30,000 for Project Graduation. "It's a party that's held all night. It's a lock-in party that's alcohol, drug, and smoke-free. It'll be at The Bridge on the evening of May 20th." JHS Senior Julia Lewis tells

St. Mary's Principal: "We're So Crowded"
 While plans to rebuild St. Mary's Elementary School in Joplin are not on the table at the moment, according to Bishop James Van Johnston, the school's principal thinks it's inevitable. "We're very crowded. We're very tight. We have just the same number of people we had before the tornado, but we're squished elbow to elbow," says Principal Steven Jones,

Pittsburg Man Arrested After Stealing Truck
Someone stole a pickup from a Pittsburg car dealer Wednesday morning. Police say the truck was left running and unattended when someone took off with it. A salesman saw the theft, followed the truck, but lost sight of it. The Kansas Highway Patrol and Crawford County Sheriff's Department found the truck in a field unattended. With the help of a Highway Patrol plane from Chanute, the thief was

Bishop: "Unclear" on St. Mary's Rebuilding
 Southwest Missouri's Catholic Bishop is still unsure whether or not Joplin's St. Mary's Elementary School will be rebuilt. Bishop James Van Johnston says at the moment, there are no plans to rebuild the school. He wants to wait until public schools are done rebuilding, as well as see how the city's economy and demographics look in the coming years, saying he wants to see how

Edward Jones Gives To Joplin Tomorrow Fund
Edward Jones financial advisors are investing in Joplin. The company's charitable committee as well as financial advisors from around the region have donated $63,000 to the Joplin Tomorrow Fund. Dwight Douglas, the Tomorrow Fund President, tells News Talk KZRG the fund was started by former Senator John Danforth. "He gave us half a million dollars in seed money, and that was a pretty good gift.  And then we've been out raising another million over the last six months.  And we are funding loans as loan applications come in for those people who want to do more than rebuild, but expand and create new jobs." Douglas says the Joplin Tomorrow Fund has already made one loan and will announce another later this week. You can donate to the fund at <a href="http://www.joplintomorrow.org/">http://www.joplintomorrow.org/</a>.

Daye Pleased With First MSSU Recruiting Class
 College football coaches around the country have signed up new recruits for next fall.  New Missouri Southern coach Daryl Daye didn't have much time to recruit, but he says he's happy with the 17 players he signed Wednesday.  He told News Talk KZRG he was looking for players who'd fit in a triple option offense. "We definitely had to get some guys that were more suited for that.  Defensively, we'll be an attacking style, pretty multiple defense, so we're looking for guys that can run, guys that are tough.  And most of all, we were looking for guys who care about their schoolwork." Many of the new Lions come from Louisiana and Texas.  Quarterback Ricky Nichols and lineman Josh Lannum are from Cassville.  You can see the complete list here: <a href="http://www.mssulions.com/sports/fball/2011-12/releases/20120201nkbo8z">http://www.mssulions.com/sports/fball/2011-12/releases/20120201nkbo8z</a>

Lawrence County Wants To Keep Meth Investigator
Lawrence County will still have a special investigator for meth cases. It was thought the position would be lost due to budget cuts, but Sheriff Brad DeLay has received funding from the Department of Public Safety to keep it going. DeLay tells News Talk KZRG it's a critical job. "To simply lose that position was going to be devastating to us.  Because all of those duties that that particular investigator had were going to be shifted and divided among several other officers.  So just the effectiveness and the efficiency of that position would have completely been lost, which would have backlogged a lot of things."  DeLay says he'll continue to lobby the County Commission to keep the meth investigator, as well as look for grants and other ways to pay for it.

Two Arrested in Carl Junction Meth Bust
Two people from Carl Junction are in custody after Jasper County Sheriff's Deputies found a meth lab in their home Tuesday. Sharon Rhine of the Sheriff's Office tells News Talk KZRG deputies were tipped off and found ingredients for making meth in the home. "Two boxes of pseudoephedrine, four hot plates, four plastic bottles with unknown chemicals, drain opener, two jugs of Muriatic acid, a bottle of Heet."  There were also six bags with a white powder substance. 55-year-old Marvin Coy and 51-year-old Sonia Gow were both arrested for manufacturing and possessing a controlled substance.

OK Lawmakers Don't Want 6% Raise
A bipartisan group of Oklahoma state lawmakers has filed a resolution to reject a proposed 6 percent pay raise for judges and statewide elected officials. The measure was filed Wednesday by Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and Senate. In September, the Board on Judicial Compensation approved a 6 percent pay raise for judges. Because the salaries of statewide elected officials are based on judicial salaries, the raise would also increase the salaries of the statewide officials by 6 percent. Republican House Speaker Kris Steele says Oklahoma is still emerging from the recession and now is not the time for pay raises. House Democratic Leader Scott Inman says state employees have not seen a raise in six years and it would be wrong to raise the salaries of statewide officials.

MO Redistricting Latest
A Republican expert on political reapportionment is defending Missouri's newly redrawn U.S. House districts in court. Thomas Hofeller testified Wednesday in Cole County Circuit Court, where a judge is weighing two lawsuits that challenge the new congressional map. The plaintiffs argue that the eight districts fail to meet a requirement to be geographically compact. Hofeller says if Missouri's new map is rejected for that reason, then a ``tremendous number'' of congressional and legislative maps throughout the country would also fall short of being compact. Missouri's congressional districts were redrawn last year to reflect changes in the population and the state's loss of a ninth U.S. House seat. The Missouri Supreme Court has set a Friday deadline for the lower court to rule on the challenges. Closing arguments are scheduled Thursday.

MO Primary Turnout Prediction
Election officials are projecting that 23 percent of Missouri voters will turnout for next week's presidential primary. Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is encouraging people to vote in the primary even though the results won't count for awarding delegates to the Republican National Convention. The state Republican Party has chosen to allot its presidential delegates based on the results of caucuses that will begin in mid-March. Under national party rules intended to prevent a crush of early primaries, Missouri Republicans could have risked losing half their presidential delegates if they had used a February primary to award delegates. Missouri law still requires a presidential primary to be held on Feb. 7, but it does not require political parties to use its results for awarding delegates.

Convoy of Hope Pledges 18 Tornado-Resistant Homes for Joplin
A worldwide Christian ministry has committed to building 18 homes in the tornado disaster zone in Joplin. Jeff Nene (nee-nee) of Convoy of Hope tells News Talk KZRG they'll be built to withstand winds up to 200 miles per hour. "We've teamed up with a contractor and a vendor to provide the materials to build homes that are safer, more energy effecient, and to give people more peace

Joplin Superintendent Getting National Recognition For "Tech Savvy" Practices
 The Superintendent of the Joplin School District's getting recognized for using tech in the classroom. Dr. CJ Huff was named as one of the top ten superintendents across the nation who best use technology in their school district, according to a press release from eSchool News. Huff and other winners of the publication's 12th annual Tech-Savvy Superintendent Awards will be honored in a

Nixon Appoints New Redistricting Commission
Governor Jay Nixon has appointed the members of a commission responsible for drawing new state Senate districts. The five Republicans and five Democrats were nominated by their respective parties. This comes after the Missouri Supreme Court rejected an earlier Senate redistricting plan and ordered that the process start anew.

Joplin Man Sentenced in Assault on Baby
 He beat his 2-week-old son so badly that, two years later, the boy is still confined to a wheelchair and can't walk or crawl. 25-year-old Dwight Pierce of Joplin was sentenced to 20 years in prison yesterday, thanks to a plea deal made that spared him from a life sentence. The boy had a number of broken bones and bleeding on the brain from the vicious attack.

Univ. of Missouri System Wants To Raise Tuition
 The University of Missouri system wants to increase tuition next year by 7.5 percent at its Columbia campus and even more at its campuses in St. Louis and Rolla. A proposal released Tuesday afternoon spells out proposed in-state tuition hikes of 8.2 percent at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and 9 percent at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla. The Kansas City campus would see a 3 percent increase. Similar increases are being sought for graduate programs and non-resident undergraduates. The proposals follow a recommended 12.5 percent cut in state funding for higher education in Gov. Jay Nixon's proposed fiscal 2013 budget. That recommendation is subject to lawmaker approval. Under state law, the university system needs state approval to increase resident undergraduate tuition beyond the inflation rate.

Miami Man Arrested For Threatening Teens
A Miami man is in custody for allegedly making threats to middle school students on texts and social media. Detective Chris Leamon tells News Talk KZRG about the threats. "Some students had received some text messages and some Facebook postings in regards to a former student making threats.  He had made threats of possibly shooting some students and we have later determined that hemay have been in a relationship with this one girl who was actually  his target." 18-year-old Tyler Scott of Miami was arrested on an outstanding warrant, plus new charges of threatening acts of violence. Leamon says the middle school wasn't on "lockdown" but Police did have extra security as a precaution.

Large Meth Lab Bust in Carthage
What's being called "a very large meth lab" was broken up Monday in Carthage. Sharon Rhine of the Jasper County Sheriff's Office tells News Talk KZRG deputies got a tip about drug activity at a home on Little Lane. "Upon arrival, the deputies could smell a chemical odor, which smelled as methamphetamine.  And they also saw a barrel with used latex gloves in it, which appeared to have iodine stains on them." Inside, deputies found numerous items used to make meth, as well as syringes filled with what they believe to be meth. 40-year-old Michelle Brady of Carthage was arrested for manufacturing and possessing a controlled substance.

Koster Says No-Call Violations Top Consumer Complaint List
What was the biggest complaint by Missouri consumers in 2011? Violations of the state's no-call law, according to Attorney General Chris Koster. Koster tells News Talk KZRG his office had more than 22-thousand complaints about the no-call law.. more than twice the number of all other complaints combined. Many of the complaints were for calls to cell phones, which aren't covered by Missouri law. 

Murder & Arson Charges in Fort Scott Fire
A Fort Scott man has been charged with arson and murder in a house fire that killed his wife. 25-year-old Brett Bollinger is accused of setting a fire at his home last October that killed 23-year-old Brenna Bollinger. Brett Bollinger and his two-year-old son both suffered severe burns from the fire. Brett Bollinger's being held on one million dollars bond.

Jasper County GOP Chair Still Uncommitted
There have been reports online that Jasper County Republican Party Chair John Putnam is supporting Ron Paul for President. Putnam tells News Talk KZRG he joined a Ron Paul meet-up group online, but that's all. "I'm the Jasper County Republican Chairman and it's my job to conduct a fair caucus.  And I wanted to include some of those folks, so I thought that might be a good way to meet some of them and make sure that they were involved in our caucus." Putnam says he hasn't picked anyone yet for President and will wait until the selection process plays itself out.

Spence Ads Hit Airwaves
Republican Dave Spence is casting himself as a "job creator'' as he launches the first ads of Missouri's governor's race. Spence has contributed $2 million of his own money toward his campaign, and today he began spending some of that on TV and radio ads that his campaign manager said are airing statewide. The ads make no mention of Governor Jay Nixon. Spence says in the commercials that career politicians don't know how to create jobs, but he does. Spence has led companies that make plastic bottles, including for pharmaceutical packaging. 

Nixon Supports Pipeline Through MO
Gov. Jay Nixon is endorsing plans for new oil pipeline that would cut across Missouri. Nixon says his administration will work to approve whatever permits are necessary for Enbridge Inc. to build a 600-mile pipeline from Flanagan, Illinois to Cushing, Oklahoma. The company is in the early stages of the project but hopes to begin construction in the middle of next year. This project would follow the route of an existing pipeline.

Crowder Tuition Hikes Proposed
 It could soon cost more for you to attend certain classes at Crowder College. President Alan Marble says a proposal in front of the Board of Trustees would mean a 20% hike in tuition for certain programs. "It would be limited to the veterinary tech program, occupational therapy, and we're looking at nursing. Those particular courses don't always cover their

Joplin's Students: 8 Months Post-Tornado
 The tornado that came through Joplin last may was an event that is surely capable of creating mental and emotional scars. Joplin Schools Superintendent Dr. CJ Huff tells News Talk KZRG his staff is keeping an eye on each and every student as a result. "We've got 3,000 kids in Kindergarten thru 12th grade that experienced that storm up close and personal, and we're

Nixon Facing Problems With Economic Development Appointment
Governor Jay Nixon's choice to run the Department of Economic Development is facing difficulties in the state Senate. The appointment of Jason Hall requires confirmation by the Senate, and a Senate committee questioned him during a hearing yesterday but took no vote. The committee is scheduled to meet again tomorrow.

FCC "Equal Time" Rule Causing Local News Anchor to Step Down
 Jim Jackson's been a part of the local news scene in the Four States for over 30 years... that all ends on February 27th. He tells News Talk KZRG his decision to run for the Newton County Commission means he'll have to step down from the anchor's desk. "Because Equal Time comes in and fairness as well. I don't know if I'll have an opponent or not, but that's

Joplin Deadline for Tornado Demolition Plans Fast Approaching
Time's running out if you haven't gotten started with taking care of your tornado-damaged property in Joplin. City Spokeswoman Lynn Onstot tells News Talk KZRG they want to give you as much time as possible to get started, but you can't have forever. "If we don't hear from property owners, we'll have to start the 90-day Building Board process with them, where they can

Joplin Businesses Reopening
It's going to be a busy day for shoppers in Joplin, as two stores destroyed by the May 22nd tornado reopen today. Academy Sports and Outdoors held a ribbon cutting and private shopping spree for about forty students from Irving Elementary School yesterday... today's their first official day open to the general public. Also, Payless ShoeSource will be holding a grand opening ceremony

Genandt Death Accidental Drowning
Authorities have a better idea how Ronnie James Genandt of Joplin died. The 33-year-old man was found Tuesday night in a pond near the 4000 block of East 7th Street. A preliminary autopsy says his death was an accidental drowning. Captain Derek Walrod of the Jasper County Sheriff's Office tells News Talk KZRG they're still trying to piece together Genandt's last days. "We've narrowed it down and we have people that have seen or talked to him in early January, but nobody has seen or talked to him since approximately January 4th to the time we found the body." Genandt's body had been in the water for at least 48 hours by the time he was found Tuesday night.

Schools Demolition Still On Track
Demolition of Joplin school buildings seems to have hit a snag. There have been reports of bickering between the contractor hired to do the job and sub-contractors. Superintendent Doctor CJ Huff tells News Talk KZRG he'd like the arguing to stop. "When you have multiple contractors working together on a project, sometimes you have conflict. And right now there seems to be some conflict between the contractor and some of the subs, so hopefully they get all those issues worked out so we can get back on track." Huff says the contractors are working on removing asbestos from Joplin High School and the old South Middle School.  He says demolition should resume in seven to ten days with the demolition completed in two to four weeks.

Spence on Degree Flap: "Not Like I Was Making Cupcakes"
It's a non-issue, end of story. That's how Missouri Republican Candidate for Governor Dave Spence describes the flap over his degree listing on his website in an interview with News Talk KZRG. Initially, Spence's website listed him as having a degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in economics. It was later revealed to actually be a Bachelor's degree in home

Supreme Court Orders Hearing On MO Redistricting
The Speaker of the Missouri House says he’s confident the map of new US House districts drawn up by the legislature will be upheld by a lower court. On Tuesday, the state Supreme Court ordered a trial judge to hold a hearing to decide whether new congressional districts meet constitutional muster. Speaker Steven Tilley says he’s confident they do. "We feel pretty

3 Accused of Stealing Jesus
The mystery of the disappearing Jesus has been solved. The Macon County sheriff's department began getting complaints last weekend about Jesus figurines and other decorations disappearing from Nativity scenes. Deputies say they tracked down the five missing Jesus figures and the other items, and arrested three teens from the area on suspicion of misdemeanor theft.