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Contractor accused of defrauding Joplin homeowners

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The Missouri Attorney General has filed criminal charges against a Lebanon, Mo. based company for allegedly defrauding Joplin homeowners out of a total of $38,000 in the wake of the May 2011 tornado. More>>

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100 year old Freeman volunteer named a winner of Senior Service Award

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A 100 year old woman who is a long time Freeman hospital volunteer has been named one of this year's winners of the Missouri Lieutenant Governor's Senior Service Award. More>>

No ads to be sold on Missouri school buses

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Legislation allowing Missouri school districts to sell advertising space on buses has died. More>>

ATF searching for man allegedly involved in gang racketeering

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ATF-Kansas City is searching for a man on an outstanding warrant. Joshua Cain Flores is allegedly involved in a Norteno gang racketeering conspiracy and is also charged with assault with a firearm. More>>

Eight defendants indicted for disaster fraud related to Joplin tornado benefits

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Each of the defendants allegedly applied for federal disaster benefits by falsely claiming that their homes and property had been damaged or destroyed in the May 22, 2011 tornado. More>>

Tragedy makes journey to graduation sweeter for Fort Scott native

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Ten years after a Four State man was paralyzed from the waist down he has crossed the stage to accept his masters degree. Meet the man inspiring others to imagine and believe. More>>

Reading improvement earns Joplin student with autism a national honor

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A South Middle School students gets national recognition for his improvement in reading. Eighth grader Kaleb Hansen is one of just 12 in the nation to be a Scholastic Classic All Star in the Read 180 More>>

FEMA disaster preparedness Think Tank held in Joplin

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Local and federal government officials share ideas at a work session in Joplin of how to strengthen emergency response. More>>

Samaritan's Purse continues volunteer efforts

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A year after the tornado, there is still no lack of volunteer efforts. Several organizations came to Joplin just days after the storm and are continuing to provide some much needed help. More>>

Lessons learned: Freeman & Mercy make changes in year since tornado

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Both Freeman and Mercy say they have learned many lessons from that fateful night. Changes have been made and other changes are still coming that will help them handle any future disaster. More>>

Street signs will soon be replaced in tornado damaged areas

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Joplin City officials say they will soon begin replacing nearly 2,000 street signs destroyed by the tornado, easing what has been a continuous frustration for drivers. More>>

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93% of Girard High students are buckling up
93% of Girard High students are buckling up
Updated: Wednesday, May 16 2012 4:53 PM EDT2012-05-16 20:53:54 GMT
The latest numbers show more students in Crawford County, Kansas are now choosing to buckle up. Students at Northeast High School in Arma were honored today for achieving the greatest improvement in theMore >>
The latest numbers show more students in Crawford County, Kansas are now choosing to buckle up. Students at Northeast High School in Arma were honored today for achieving the greatest improvement in theMore >>
Sheriff Horton named a distinguished alumnus by Pittsburg High
Sheriff Horton named a distinguished alumnus by Pittsburg High
Updated: Wednesday, May 16 2012 4:40 PM EDT2012-05-16 20:40:57 GMT
As he prepares to step down as the Crawford County Sheriff, Sandy Horton has been named the 2012 recipient of the Pittsburg Community Schools Distinguished Alumnus Award. Sheriff Horton is a 1973 graduateMore >>
As he prepares to step down as the Crawford County Sheriff, Sandy Horton has been named the 2012 recipient of the Pittsburg Community Schools Distinguished Alumnus Award. Sheriff Horton is a 1973 graduateMore >>
Old fashioned picnic for last day of school in Liberal, Mo.
Old fashioned picnic for last day of school in Liberal, Mo.
Updated: Wednesday, May 16 2012 4:11 PM EDT2012-05-16 20:11:33 GMT
Kindergarten through 12th grade students from Liberal, Missouri celebrated their last day of school today with an old fashioned picnic. They had hot dogs, hamburgers and tons of fun. The schools haveMore >>
Kindergarten through 12th grade students from Liberal, Missouri celebrated their last day of school today with an old fashioned picnic. They had hot dogs, hamburgers and tons of fun. The schools haveMore >>
Joplin's Third Thursday schedule for May 17
Joplin's Third Thursday schedule for May 17
Updated: Wednesday, May 16 2012 2:06 PM EDT2012-05-16 18:06:54 GMT
From the Downtown Joplin Alliance: May 17, 2012 Main Event 5:30-8:30pm, Stay for the After Party This Third Thursday will have several portions that are devoted to the remembrance and celebration ofMore >>

This Third Thursday will have several portions that are devoted to the remembrance and celebration of the past year's events. There are portions that may have somber tones and others that are celebratory. A large portion of Third Thursday will retain it's typical fun-loving, community-gathering spirit.

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Tornado Documentary to Air on KGCS-TV
Tornado Documentary to Air on KGCS-TV
Updated: Tuesday, May 15 2012 6:33 PM EDT2012-05-15 22:33:34 GMT
News release from Missouri Southern State University JOPLIN, MO (SNS) - The new documentary program, "Joplin Missouri: A Tornado Story" will air at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 on KGCS-TV. The documentaryMore >>
News release from Missouri Southern State University JOPLIN, MO (SNS) - The new documentary program, "Joplin Missouri: A Tornado Story" will air at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 on KGCS-TV. The documentaryMore >>
USD 250 board approves new drug testing policy
USD 250 board approves new drug testing policy
Updated: Tuesday, May 15 2012 5:46 PM EDT2012-05-15 21:46:23 GMT
The Pittsburg USD 250 Board of Education Monday night unanimously approved a new drug testing policy for high school students. The test would be for those participating in extracurricular and co-curricularMore >>
The Pittsburg USD 250 Board of Education Monday night unanimously approved a new drug testing policy for high school students. The test would be for those participating in extracurricular and co-curricularMore >>

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Spotlight on Branson
Spotlight on Branson
It's time once again for SPOTLIGHT ON BRANSON and your chance to win tickets to a wide variety of exciting shows and attractions.
More >>
It's time once again for SPOTLIGHT ON BRANSON and your chance to win tickets to a wide variety of exciting shows and attractions. All you have to do is fill out the form below to register or mail a postcardMore >>
Tragedy makes journey to graduation sweeter for Fort Scott native
Tragedy makes journey to graduation sweeter for Fort Scott native
Updated: Tuesday, May 15 2012 9:52 PM EDT2012-05-16 01:52:06 GMT
This past weekend more than 1,200 Pittsburg State University students walked across the stage to pick up their deplomas but for one graduate the journey to the stage made the walk that much sweeter. ForMore >>
Ten years after a Four State man was paralyzed from the waist down he has crossed the stage to accept his masters degree. Meet the man inspiring others to imagine and believe.More >>
Lone survivor in Friday's plane crash starts getting skin grafts today
Lone survivor in Friday's plane crash starts getting skin grafts today
Wilson County, Kansas authorities are working a plane crash east of Highway 75 near Chanute. The Neodesha Fire Department confirms there were five people on board. We do not know what type of plane orMore >>
Four people are now dead and another remains in critical condition Friday's twin engine plane crash in Wilson County, Kansas.More >>
Tornado Documentary to Air on KGCS-TV
Tornado Documentary to Air on KGCS-TV
Updated: Tuesday, May 15 2012 6:33 PM EDT2012-05-15 22:33:34 GMT
News release from Missouri Southern State University JOPLIN, MO (SNS) - The new documentary program, "Joplin Missouri: A Tornado Story" will air at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 on KGCS-TV. The documentaryMore >>
News release from Missouri Southern State University JOPLIN, MO (SNS) - The new documentary program, "Joplin Missouri: A Tornado Story" will air at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 on KGCS-TV. The documentaryMore >>
Police chase ends with collision in Joplin
Police chase ends with collision in Joplin
Updated: Monday, May 14 2012 12:51 PM EDT2012-05-14 16:51:12 GMT
A Four State man is facing several felony charges after a two block police chase ends in Joplin. Prosecutors are preparing charges after a chase and two car collision Sunday morning. Police say the suspectMore >>
A Four State man is facing several felony charges after a two block police chase ends in Joplin. Prosecutors are preparing charges after a chase and two car collision Sunday morning.More >>
Lessons learned: Freeman & Mercy make changes in year since tornado
Lessons learned: Freeman & Mercy make changes in year since tornado
Updated: Monday, May 14 2012 4:19 PM EDT2012-05-14 20:19:03 GMT
When Saint Johns Hospital was hit by the May 22 tornado, emergency planning was tested and in some ways failed. Both Freeman Hospital and now Mercy say they have learned many lessons from that fatefulMore >>
Both Freeman and Mercy say they have learned many lessons from that fateful night. Changes have been made and other changes are still coming that will help them handle any future disaster.More >>

National NewsMore>>
Study links vets to brain disease seen in athletes
Study links vets to brain disease seen in athletes
A small study raises more concern about the long-term consequences of the traumatic brain injuries suffered by thousands of soldiers.More >>
A small study raises more concern about the long-term consequences of brain injuries suffered by thousands of soldiers - suggesting they may be at risk of developing the same degenerative brain disease as some retired...More >>
Stepmom faces extradition in HI in kids' abduction
Stepmom faces extradition in HI in kids' abduction
The stepmom of three children who were taken by their father to the Bahamas on a sailboat against custody orders is facing an extradition to Montana by order of Hawaii's governor.More >>
The stepmom of three children who were taken by their father to the Bahamas on a sailboat against custody orders is being held without bail in Hawaii and will be extradited to Montana.More >>
Senate Democrats reject House GOP budget plan
Senate Democrats reject House GOP budget plan
Democrats controlling the Senate rejected for the second year in a row Wednesday a budget plan passed by House Republicans.More >>
Democrats controlling the Senate rejected for the second year in a row Wednesday a budget plan passed by House Republicans.More >>
Settlement reached in Jewish cemetery dispute
Settlement reached in Jewish cemetery dispute
A Connecticut woman has agreed to settle her lawsuit against her Jewish congregation over the burial of a black woman in the synagogue's cemetery.More >>
A Connecticut woman agreed Wednesday to settle her lawsuit against her Jewish congregation over the burial of a black woman in the synagogue's cemetery, her lawyer said.More >>
Seattle gives DOJ police reform counterproposal
Seattle gives DOJ police reform counterproposal
The city of Seattle has presented its police-reform counter-proposal to the Department of Justice.More >>
The city of Seattle has presented its police-reform counter-proposal to the Department of Justice.More >>
Tropical Storm Aletta weakening in the Pacific
Tropical Storm Aletta weakening in the Pacific
Tropical Storm Aletta is weakening is it spins far out over the Pacific.More >>
Tropical Storm Aletta is weakening is it spins far out over the Pacific.More >>

Missouri HeadlinesMissouri HeadlinesMore>>
Mo. priest seeks delay in child porn trial
Mo. priest seeks delay in child porn trial
A Kansas City-area Catholic priest accused of taking pornographic pictures of children wants to delay his trial by at least two months.More >>
A Kansas City-area Catholic priest accused of taking pornographic pictures of children wants to delay his trial by at least two months.More >>
News Minute: Here is the latest Missouri news from The Associated Press
News Minute: Here is the latest Missouri news from The Associated Press
A father and his two children have died in a house fire in Kansas City. Fire officials say the blaze earlier today killed a 31-year-old man, a seven-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy. The man's wife managed to escape...More >>
News Minute: Here is the latest Kansas news from The Associated Press
News Minute: Here is the latest Kansas news from The Associated Press
Secretary of State Kris Kobach is asking a panel of federal judges to settle a Kansas redistricting fight. He's making the request as the state Senate debates a plan for redrawing the chamber's 40 districts....More >>
Mo. Senate approves tax credits compromise
Mo. Senate approves tax credits compromise
The Missouri Senate has voted to authorize new tax credits to attract amateur sporting events to the state.More >>
The Missouri Senate has voted to authorize new tax credits to attract amateur sporting events to the state.More >>
Mo. House endorses health care legislation
Mo. House endorses health care legislation
The Missouri House has approved legislation allowing health care providers to refuse to participate in some tasks that violate their religious or ethical beliefs.More >>
The Missouri House has approved legislation allowing health care providers to refuse to participate in some tasks that violate their religious or ethical beliefs.More >>
Business raids cost Kansas City millions in taxes
Business raids cost Kansas City millions in taxes
The competition to create jobs in a recovering economy is causing states to waive hundreds of millions of tax dollars as incentives for businesses.More >>
The competition to create jobs in a recovering economy is causing states to waive hundreds of millions of tax dollars as incentives for businesses.More >>

Kansas HeadlinesKansas HeadlinesMore>>
Kan. House shows signs of budging in tax talks
Kan. House shows signs of budging in tax talks
Kansas House members are showing signs of budging in talks over proposed income tax cuts.More >>
Kansas House members are showing signs of budging in talks over proposed income tax cuts.More >>
News Minute: Here is the latest Kansas news from The Associated Press
News Minute: Here is the latest Kansas news from The Associated Press
Secretary of State Kris Kobach is asking a panel of federal judges to settle a Kansas redistricting fight. He's making the request as the state Senate debates a plan for redrawing the chamber's 40 districts....More >>
Military pilot's memory honored in Kan. town
Military pilot's memory honored in Kan. town
An Army pilot who died when his helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan is being honored with highway signs in his northwest Kansas hometown.More >>
An Army pilot who died when his helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan is being honored with highway signs in his northwest Kansas hometown.More >>
Kan. Senate cancels remap debate as talks continue
Kan. Senate cancels remap debate as talks continue
The Kansas Senate has put off a debate on a proposal for redrawing the chamber's 40 districts as talks involving Republicans continue.More >>
The Kansas Senate has put off a debate on a proposal for redrawing the chamber's 40 districts as talks involving Republicans continue.More >>
Feds seek public's help to catch Kan. gang member
Feds seek public's help to catch Kan. gang member
Federal agents are asking for the public's help in finding a member of a western Kansas gang that has been charged with racketeering and a number of violent crimes.More >>
Federal agents are asking for the public's help in finding a member of a western Kansas gang that has been charged with racketeering and a number of violent crimes.More >>
Business raids cost Kansas City millions in taxes
Business raids cost Kansas City millions in taxes
The competition to create jobs in a recovering economy is causing states to waive hundreds of millions of tax dollars as incentives for businesses.More >>
The competition to create jobs in a recovering economy is causing states to waive hundreds of millions of tax dollars as incentives for businesses.More >>

Oklahoma HeadlinesOklahoma HeadlinesMore>>
Okla. Senate panel blocks Dem. from Election Board
Okla. Senate panel blocks Dem. from Election Board
The Republican-controlled Senate Rules Committee is blocking Gov. Mary Fallin's nomination of an Oklahoma City attorney to the state Election Board, drawing the ire of Democrats who contend it is because he is openly gay.More >>
The Republican-controlled Senate Rules Committee is blocking Gov. Mary Fallin's nomination of an Oklahoma City attorney to the state Election Board, drawing the ire of Democrats who contend it is because he is openly gay.More >>
Okla. tribal casino fight moves to federal court
Okla. tribal casino fight moves to federal court
A months-long feud over whether a small American Indian tribe can legally build a casino in a Tulsa suburb moves to federal court.More >>
A months-long feud over whether a small American Indian tribe can legally build a casino in a Tulsa suburb moves to federal court.More >>
News Minute: Here is the latest Oklahoma news from The Associated Press
News Minute: Here is the latest Oklahoma news from The Associated Press
A federal judge is set to hear arguments today in a months-long feud over whether a small American Indian tribe can legally build a casino in Broken Arrow. Oklahoma's attorney general sued the Kialegee Tribal Town to try...More >>
Oklahoma student finds fossil for school project
Oklahoma student finds fossil for school project
Talk about show and tell.More >>
Talk about show and tell.More >>
Statue of marshal to travel from Okla. to Arkansas
Statue of marshal to travel from Okla. to Arkansas
A monument to celebrated deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves will begin its trip from Oklahoma to the site of its home in Arkansas.More >>
A monument to celebrated deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves will begin its trip from Oklahoma to the site of its home in Arkansas.More >>
Holiday travel by Oklahomans expected to rise
Holiday travel by Oklahomans expected to rise
AAA Oklahoma says the number of Oklahomans expected to travel during the Memorial Day holiday weekend is up over last year - although they expect to travel shorter distances and fewer will be traveling by air.More >>
AAA Oklahoma says the number of Oklahomans expected to travel during the Memorial Day holiday weekend is up over last year - although they expect to travel shorter distances and fewer will be traveling by air.More >>

Weird News from Around the WorldStrange NewsMore>>
Baby red crabs invade Cayman Islands
Baby red crabs invade Cayman Islands
Hundreds of thousands of red baby crabs are invading the Cayman Islands in a seasonal migration that residents say is unusually heavy this year.More >>
Hundreds of thousands of red baby crabs are invading the Cayman Islands in a seasonal migration that residents say is unusually heavy this year.More >>
Horse runs into sea, rescued a mile offshore
Horse runs into sea, rescued a mile offshore
Maybe he should be named Bob.More >>
Maybe he should be named Bob.More >>
Workers go trash-picking for Mass. woman's rings
Workers go trash-picking for Mass. woman's rings
An Attleboro, Mass., woman is praising the city's trash collection company after its workers helped her dig through mountains of stinking garbage to find five valuable rings she inadvertently threw away, including her...More >>
An Attleboro, Mass., woman is praising the city's trash collection company after its workers helped her dig through mountains of stinking garbage to find five valuable rings she inadvertently threw away, including her...More >>
Dozens of flyswatters wash up on Alaska beaches
Dozens of flyswatters wash up on Alaska beaches
Dozens of fly swatters bearing logos of collegiate and professional sports teams have been washing up on the beaches of an Alaska island.More >>
Dozens of fly swatters bearing logos of collegiate and professional sports teams have been washing up on the beaches of an Alaska island.More >>
Man freed on bond but must write book reports
Man freed on bond but must write book reports
A man charged in an undercover sting operation in Northern California that ended in gunfire has been ordered released on bond on the condition that he read and write book reports.More >>
A man charged in an undercover sting operation in Northern California that ended in gunfire has been ordered released on bond on the condition that he read and write book reports.More >>
Cops: NY man shoots friend in leg at his request
Cops: NY man shoots friend in leg at his request
Authorities say a northern New York man had his friend shoot him in the leg with a rifle because he wanted to know what it feels like to be shot.More >>
Authorities say a northern New York man had his friend shoot him in the leg with a rifle because he wanted to know what it feels like to be shot.More >>

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What's on KOAM
Full Program Grid

KOAM Morning NewsKOAM Morning NewsMore>>
Join Dave & Tawnya every weekday morning
Join Dave & Tawnya every weekday morning
From 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. find out what's happening in the 4-States, get some great recipes and find out who's celebrating their birthday and anniversary.
From 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. find out what's happening in the 4-States, get some great recipes and find out who's celebrating their birthday and anniversary.More >>
Send us a birthday or anniversary
Send us a birthday or anniversary
Learn how you can be a guest
Learn how you can be a guest
Get recipes
Get recipes
Pet Connection May 16
Pet Connection May 16
Walk of Unity
Walk of Unity
Photos of the Storm
Photos of the Storm
Weather 6am May 16
Weather 6am May 16
Birthdays May 15
Birthdays May 15
Kitchen Witches
Kitchen Witches

Spotlight on Branson
Spotlight on Branson
It's time once again for SPOTLIGHT ON BRANSON and your chance to win tickets to a wide variety of exciting shows and attractions.
More >>
It's time once again for SPOTLIGHT ON BRANSON and your chance to win tickets to a wide variety of exciting shows and attractions. All you have to do is fill out the form below to register or mail a postcardMore >>
"Carousel Park Celebrate 7" | Contest Rules | 2012
Carousel Park Celebrate 7 Contest
Each week a 7 year old celebrating a birthday wins a family pack.More >>
Each week we'll pick one 7 year old boy or girl celebrating a birthday to win a family 4-pack of Pick 3 Fun Passes good at Carousel Park. Find out how to enter.More >>
Doug's WeatherCall
Doug's WeatherCall
Take the guess work out of storm warnings, 24 hours a day.More >>
Health Connections
Health Connections
Connecting the Four States with the best health specialists in the area.More >>
4 State Heroes
4 State Heroes
A tribute to the men and women in our community who have loyally served in the Armed Forces.More >>
Joplin Storm Heroes - Mercy sponsorship

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