Community Corner

🌱 Why Carthage neighbors are pushing for a dedicated animal-control officer

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Tuesday December 16th Patch AM
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Hey there, Carthage! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Carthage neighbors are pushing for a dedicated animal-control officer
  • What Chief Hawkins’ retirement means for Carthage policing starting today
  • How a Carthage Snapchat investigation led to a felony child porn charge

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Carthage? Post it to Carthage photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Find out what's happening in Carthagefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Carthagefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and breezy, with a high of 53 and low of 33 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Breezy with decreasing clouds, temps: high: 58, low: 49.
  • Thursday: Windy; a shower in the a.m., with a high of 55 and low of 23 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Concerned Carthage citizens discuss animal safety (koamnewsnow.com) — Carthage residents are rallying to address pet mistreatment and a rising stray population after the Carthage Humane Society stopped accepting strays. At a recent community meeting, Mayor Bren Flanigan, organizers, and citizens discussed appointing a dedicated animal-control officer and other solutions. About 15 attendees committed to meeting again in early January to keep momentum going.
   

2. Carthage police chief Bill Hawkins retires after four decades in law enforcement (fourstateshomepage.com) — Carthage’s longtime police chief, Bill Hawkins, has officially retired today after 43 years with the Carthage Police Department, marking his 65th birthday with an emotional final radio call. Friends, family, officers, and Jasper County Sheriff Randee Kaiser honored his decades of service. Assistant chief Chad Dininger steps in as the new chief starting today, guiding the department’s next chapter.
   

3. Carthage man free on $50,000 bond after being charged with possession of child pornography (blogspot.com) — A Carthage man is free on $50,000 bond after being charged in Jasper County with possession of child pornography, following a Carthage Police investigation tied to an earlier sexual assault case. Investigators say Snapchat records and the juvenile’s interview contradict his initial denials and indicate he knowingly received explicit material from a minor over several weeks.
   

4. Court documents show "inconsistencies" in Carthage killing account (koamnewsnow.com) — Authorities have charged a woman with second-degree murder after a Carthage resident was found fatally shot on a couch in a West Fir Road apartment. Court documents describe her account of a possible suicide but outline gunshot residue findings and other inconsistencies investigators say point to a fabricated story.
   

5. Market Wrap-Up: Monday, Dec. 15 (wlj.net) — Carthage’s Joplin Regional Stockyards moved about 11,000 head of cattle Monday, with feeder steers ranging from $10 lower to $10 higher and heifers steady to $15 higher than the last auction. Benchmark 763-pound steers brought $337–$375, averaging $355.24, as broader cattle futures and boxed beef prices also finished the day stronger.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Pizza Hut posted a job opening for Team Member in Carthage. Apply here.
  • Carthage School District R9 posted a job opening for Band Director - 2026-2027 School Year in Carthage. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Carthage here.

Ok Carthage! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
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