Jasper County Commission approves $250K for law enforcement upgrades
JASPER COUNTY, Mo. — It's a quarter-of-a-million-dollar boost for law enforcement in Jasper County.
The county commission today approved the 2025 grant program for the law enforcement sales tax.
That was money that went to nearly a dozen police agencies, including Webb City, Carl Junction, Oronogo, and Duenweg.
Jasper County Commission approves $250K for law enforcement upgrades
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The annual program helps to fund department upgrades smaller agencies couldn't afford on their own.
'They submit their applications in priority of what they are needing for their specific agencies. That could be a patrol car. That could be ammunition. That could be body cameras. Things that maybe they wouldn't be able to fund otherwise. And so these funds allow them to do so,' said Jenn Kirby, L.E.S.T. Board Secretary.
The Carterville and Webb City Police Departments were among the top awards, receiving $42,000 and $33,000, respectively. The Jasper Police Department received the largest grant—$50,000.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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New York Post
4 days ago
- New York Post
Meet the mayor of Rockefeller Center — yes, that's a real job title
Amid the metro mayhem of New York City's Rockefeller Center, CJ — Correll Jones — has become as sturdy a presence as the iconic plaza he's welcomed guests to for the last 23 years. That's why his business card reads: 'Mayor of Rockefeller Center.' 8 CJ's business card reads 'Mayor of Rockefeller Center.' Brian Zak/NY Post And just like his title requires, CJ spends his days making sure things are running smoothly and people are happy running around the complex of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres between 48th Street and 51st Street in Midtown Manhattan. He spends his days roaming around Rockefeller Center with his hundred-watt smile in his gray suit and doorman's top hat, greeting those who work in the area, helping tourists get where they're going and making sure that everyone in the crowd is safe and satisfied. A New York icon Jones, who was born and bred in Brooklyn, where he still resides, began his career as a greeter at the University Club in 1983. That's where Rob Speyer, the chief executive of the Tishman Speyer real estate firm, which owns Rockefeller Center, met Jones and offered him the job down the street in 2002. 8 Jones has been at his post since 2002. Brian Zak/NY Post 'He saw something in me that I didn't even see in myself. And he stole me away from the club. And then he brought me here to Rockefeller Center,' Jones told The Post. 'I want you to know I think it was one of the best moves I could ever make in my entire life.' Ever since, he has spent his days roaming the center, making sure everyone is getting where they need to go with a smile on their face. Monday through Friday, he arrives on the subway at 8:30 a.m. and heads home to the missus at 5:45 p.m. — during the holiday season, he also works some weekends. 'This is the center of the world,' Jones claims. 'It's a one-of-a-kind place.' 8 For Jones, seeing the sparkle in tourists' eyes is his favorite part of the job. Brian Zak/NY Post I <3 NY Of course, Rockefeller Center is home to shows like 'Saturday Night Live,' 'The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon' and the 'Today Show.' But when asked about the celebrities he clearly must see daily, he casually confirms Kenan Thompson, Jimmy Fallon, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker as good friends — but leaves it at that. He even deemed Roker the deputy mayor of Rockefeller Center in 2021 when the journalist shadowed him for a segment. 8 Jones, seen here with Rockefeller Center's head gardener Erik Pauze, knows everyone who passes through regularly. James Keivom 'I think he got a kick out of that,' Jones said. He's been featured on the 'Today Show,' 'The Tonight Show' and 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' — the latter of which provided him and about 200 other NYC doormen five days and four nights in St. Lucia. 'Oh, you know I went,' he confirmed. 'That was one of the nicest things I've gotten working here.' He admitted that he's received countless invites from his high-profile profession, but they don't usually strike a sparkly chord. 'I ain't sticking my neck nowhere unless there is a free ticket,' he quipped. 8 Jones is humble about his celebrity pals. Brian Zak/NY Post Jones doesn't really get starstruck and breezes past most questions about A-listers. He's just as happy to chat with a tourist and help them find the subway as he is to step onto a sound stage. 'The best thing about this job is when you help somebody and you give them good directions, or you take their picture and then they come back a year or two years or three years later, and they say, 'You know, I remember you.' Stuff like that, it's a treat,' Jones said. However, he was proud to show off a photo of former President Bill Clinton clapping him on the back. Jones recalled that he'd met the former commander in chief several times but was taken aback when he asked for him by name. 'He came out of the building and asked, 'Where is CJ?' and stopped and took a picture with me and put his hand on my shoulder,' he shared. He was honored that the 'charismatic' public figure stopped to chat with him for about 15 minutes and waved off his guards who tried to keep him moving. 'And then he walked down Fifth Avenue, and I had to be like, 'C'mon that's the president walking down Fifth Avenue.' Unbelievable. That was special,' Jones said, smiling and shaking his head. 8 CJ has been featured on the 'Today Show,' 'Jimmy Fallon' and 'The Kelly Clarkson Show.' Brian Zak/NY Post Toast of the town Most New Yorkers huff and puff about avoiding the popular tourist attraction — especially during the holidays — but recent years have seen it transform and the mayor loves to see it. Above all, Jones appreciates seeing the awe it brings to those seeing it for the first time up close. 'There's so much excitement here that I don't think there's another place like it. I tell people here that sometimes we take it for granted, but to see the faces of people who have never been to New York and never been in Rock Center when they look up and say, 'Wow,' that's the thrill for me,' he explained. 8 While most NYC residents moan about the holiday season, Jones says it's the most magical. DANIEL WILLIAM MCKNIGHT 'What's unique about this job is that you see a new tourist every day, and then you see the glitter in their eyes because of how unique this building is or how neat this city is.' And to the disapproval of most New Yorkers — and many of his co-workers — he thinks it only gets more magical once the Christmas tree goes up. He's the face everyone knows — just stand by him for five minutes and be wowed at the number of people who stop to say hi. Everyone seems to light up brighter than the Christmas tree when they see Jones. To honor his legacy, he's just had a drink named after him at the newly opened Pebble Bar at The Rink, the outdoor bar that's opened next to the Prometheus statue — Jones's favorite piece of art in the area. The delicious drink — an $80 shareable pitcher of margarita for four — will be served at the seasonal bar all summer long. 8 At the nearby Pebble Bar, Jones now has a drink named after him: an $80 shareable pitcher of margarita for four. Brian Zak/NY Post 'It's really crazy,' Jones said. 'To sit there and have a drink and take a picture with Prometheus, you can't go wrong.' 'I am going to bring the missus to come in and try the drink. I'm also telling all of my tenants and my tourists and everybody that I know at Rock Center about it.'
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Jasper County to manage Hickory Hills' crumbling roads
JASPER COUNTY, Mo. — A controversial Jasper County neighborhood may be a step closer to dealing with deteriorating roads. The Jasper County Commission Tuesday voted to accept the streets that make up the Hickory Hills neighborhood just northwest of Joplin. Complaints detailing a host of road issues there left unfixed helped push forward a recent effort to disband the Joplin Special Road District, which is in charge of that general area. Last month, county commissioners said those roads had never been upgraded to county standards, something that's usually required for roads to be turned over to the county. But the controversy prompted more extensive research, pointing to that neighborhood's listing in the 'County Aid Road Trust' or CART program which led to commissioners voting the roads in. They say those residents have been paying the taxes for years.'They've been paying that – and we looked up; it's approximately about $65 per household a year they're paying on their property tax. And then they've also been paying for the CART money. So, they've been generating money that just hasn't been used in that neighborhood,' said Mike Landis, Jasper County Commissioner. An earlier petition drive had aimed to disband the Joplin Special Road District, which sits in both Jasper and Newton Counties. The Jasper County commission voted to disband, but the Newton County commission voted against, meaning operations continue for the road district. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Associated Press
Honoring the Experience of Military Community Employees
Three of our employees share their unique experiences in both the military and corporate worlds: CJ as an active service member, Rhonda as a veteran, and Shelby as a military parent. One common theme: They feel their experience is supported and valued at Principal. CJProcess improvement consultant Captain, U.S. Air Force Military journey I joined the International Guard when I was 18, starting basic training three weeks after I graduated high school. I started out as a jet mechanic and now have transitioned to an officer position leading a team. At first, I was primarily focused on the educational and life experience benefits, but I quickly became passionate about serving my country. A family tradition My two older brothers are in the Air Force as well. And when it comes to my brothers, I'm fairly impressionable. I love and look up to them a lot. So, I joined for that reason as well. We deployed together in 2021 to Saudi Arabia, which was a very unique experience. From the military to Principal I joined Principal through the rotational program, which allowed me to explore different opportunities across the company, as I wasn't sure what I wanted to do after I graduated college. I realized the culture is amazing, and the products we sell really do help people. I felt supported to provide value quickly and progress in my military career at the same time. Ultimately, I landed in Corporate Accounting and have been focused on continuous improvement efforts for the past six years. Fulfilling dual responsibilities Principal has always allowed me to focus on my mission at hand. While working here, I've been deployed overseas once, activated twice—including during the COVID-19 pandemic—and have participated in multiple trainings that required time away. Throughout it all, I've felt nothing but support and gratitude from my Principal family. I've received heartfelt letters and generous gifts from my team. When I was deployed to Saudi Arabia, my peers were amazed by the care package sent by my Principal team; it was truly humbling and a powerful reminder of the support behind me. Advocating for others I think the biggest difficulty is the translation gap between how the military describes your responsibilities versus how corporate America would. I recommend finding a professional organization or a mentor who previously made that transition to help bridge that gap. I had my brothers and a mentor who coached me through the transition. Now, I advocate for and coach younger airmen to identify the responsibility they hold; there's a lot of weight and power to it that they probably don't recognize. Closing the skills translation gap: When you search for a job at Principal, you can enter your MOS code to find roles that match your military skills. Rhonda Advisor care specialistArmy veteran Military journey I entered the military right out of high school. 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Finding community at Principal Being a mom of military service members means experiencing a wide range of emotions at any given period, including pride, worry, and anxiety, which can all affect your career. I've been able to network with other employees through VERG who were going through similar situations with their own children, along with military veterans who offered support and guidance along the way. Leaning into flexibility One thing we've learned being a military family is that things can change quickly. It can be hard to schedule holidays and other family gatherings; sometimes we might only have a week's advance notice. Fortunately, my leaders are incredible about giving me the flexibility to take time off when opportunities for family time come. Learn more about our benefits, like flexibility and time away. Military to corporate values The work environment at Principal is based on integrity, respect, community, and trust—very similar to that of the military. I am proud to work for a company with these strong values. Everything has a trickle effect. If I instill these same values in my home and in my family, my hope is that my children will continue to instill these values in their lives, whether in the military or civilian world. A full circle moment After my grandpa passed, my grandmother wanted his clothes to go to another veteran. Through a VERG event, I had the opportunity to fulfill her wish at a local veteran's shelter. That was a humbling, full circle moment. Principal® is an equal opportunity employer and an E-Verify participant. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion or religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic partner status, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also prohibit harassment on these bases. Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal ( If at any stage of the employment application process you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 1-866-524-6947. Read our employment policies for more information. Recruitment fraud is a scheme that offers fictitious job opportunities to people. 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