The first story about John Cleaver that pops into his mother's mind is one from his high school years, when he was a competitor on a Scholars Bowl team.

First, I would like to congratulate the taxpayers of Joplin on our wonderful new middle schools that we as taxpayers funded.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force earlier this week updated guidelines, saying women in their 40s do not need routine mammograms for early detection of breast cancer.

A Joplin man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Matt J. Whitworth.

In less than three months, a Missouri senator says a controversial DNA law is working.

Family members of the victims were notified last week of the results of a parole hearing held in August for John Steven Martin, who was convicted more than 30 years ago of two murders.

Rhiannon Riesenmy's life calling probably won't lead her into the world of journalism.

Implementation of a new program aimed at targeting students who work and may be at risk of dropping out of school will be discussed by the Joplin R-8 Board of Education during a meeting Tuesday night.

I am writing to say hello from Rhode Island. I am in the seventh grade at Goff Junior High School in Pawtucket, R.I. For my geography project I chose your state, Missouri, to do an oral report on.

A year ago, Americans wholeheartedly endorsed "change" promoted by then Democrat candidate Barack Obama.

Charges were being sought Wednesday against a suspect who is believed to have shot and wounded another man at a work site in southern Delaware County.

Webb City and Carl Junction voters on Tuesday approved bond issues that will use some federal stimulus funds for capital projects in their school districts.

Panera Bread in Joplin sold 17,421 pink ribbon bagels during October for breast cancer awareness and will donate $4,355.25 to the Hope 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation, Sarah Burkybile of the foundation said Tuesday.

Webb City and Carl Junction voters today approved bond issues that will use federal stimulus funds for capital improvement projects for their school districts.

Preparations for City Hall's part in the "Joplin Holiday Experience" are coming together a stitch at a time, thanks to the volunteer efforts of a couple of Joplin seamstresses.

Postmaster Sharon Clark has surpassed her goal of selling $10,000 worth of breast cancer stamps during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

Pink bagels, pink hair, pink parades, even pink newspaper pages reminded us during the month of October that breast cancer is a problem in our nation, in our community, and for some of us, in our own homes.

The big day is almost here! Just two more days and the streets will be littered with little trick-or-treaters. All three of us Drummond women will be out in force.

Globe/T. Rob Brown Paula Baker, an official with the Ozark Center in Joplin, shows off a pink hair extension she planned to sport in connection with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

As the city of Joplin goes about seeking ideas and suggestions for future park and recreation amenities in Joplin, we would recommend working closely with Joplin School District officials.