Gretchen Bolander

Joplin

Reporter at KODE-TV (Joplin, MO)

Articles

Jasper County testing radio coverage for improved 911 service

3 days ago | fourstateshomepage.com | Gretchen Bolander

JASPER CO., Mo. — A big ticket upgrade to local 911 service could slow your commute. Jasper County Emergency Services is testing radio coverage this month. That means there will be slow moving vehicles on the road, checking the radio connection every half mile. The test cars are expected to take about three weeks to cover the entire county by road, then spend another couple of weeks testing from inside large buildings. “The coverage beforehand wasn’t as reliable as this new system provides.
Jasper County coroner emphasizes tragedy in child death cases

3 days ago | fourstateshomepage.com | Gretchen Bolander

JASPER COUNTY, Mo. — The Jasper County Coroner works hundreds of death cases a year, but he says those involving child deaths are always the most tragic and extensive. James Harrison says there have been four child death investigations so far this year, with final reports as long as 50 or 60 pages. Those come from first responders, a medical examiner, and also interviews with patients.
Jasper County property values rise, owners notified for 2025

4 days ago | yahoo.com | Gretchen Bolander

Jasper County property values rise, owners notified for 2025(KODE & KSN) — Thousands of property owners are getting notices from Jasper County that what they own is now worth more. The Jasper County Assessor expects to send out 44 thousand “Real Property Value Change” notices. Half of those went out a week ago, while the others will hit mailboxes in the next week or so. It’s an alert that your property value has increased in 2025.
Jasper County property values rise, owners notified for 2025

4 days ago | fourstateshomepage.com | Gretchen Bolander |Dave Thomas

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Thousands of property owners are getting notices from Jasper County that what they own is now worth more. “The 2025 impact notices have gone out in the mail,” said Lisa Perry, Jasper County Assessor. 44,000 in all, half about a week ago, and the rest in the next few days. It’s an alert to a Jasper County property owner that the county valuation is going up.
Jasper County Senior Tax Credit applications expected to finish later this summer

4 days ago | fourstateshomepage.com | Gretchen Bolander

JASPER COUNTY, Mo. — Jasper County’s recent sending of tax notices has prompted a large number of calls from senior citizens who applied for the senior tax credit earlier this year. Jasper County Collector Steve McIntosh says the two processes are completely separate, so a higher valuation is strictly the listing for the county and state. Meanwhile, the review of tax credit applications is still underway. He expects it to wrap up in the next few weeks.
Doug Ball named interim president of Pittsburg State University

1 week ago | fourstateshomepage.com | Gretchen Bolander

PITTSBURG, Kan. — A new president is in charge at Pittsburg State University, at least for now. “I did grow up right here in southeast Kansas, mostly in Baxter Springs, just south of here and so Pitt State was something that was kind of always in my environment, always in my awareness,” said Doug Ball, PSU Interim Pres. So it was an easy decision when Doug Ball decided to get his undergraduate degree at Pittsburg State University.
Freeman Health’s service dogs aid families with health needs

1 week ago | fourstateshomepage.com | Gretchen Bolander

JOPLIN, Mo. — It helps the youngest of patients with things like transportation, free medical treatment, and specialized equipment—and now—something else through Children’s Miracle Network. “He’s saved my life multiple times.”Layla Harrell is quick to credit her service dog Nico. He’s trained to alert when her diabetes gets out of control. “I’m type one diabetic, which means that my body doesn’t produce insulin, so insulin regulates the blood sugar.
Freeman Health’s service dogs aid families with health needs

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Gretchen Bolander

JOPLIN, Mo. — It helps the youngest of patients with things like transportation, free medical treatment, and specialized equipment—and now—something else through Children’s Miracle Network. “He’s saved my life multiple times.”Layla Harrell is quick to credit her service dog Nico. He’s trained to alert when her diabetes gets out of control. “I’m type one diabetic, which means that my body doesn’t produce insulin, so insulin regulates the blood sugar.
Carthage School District hosting free summer meal program for kids

1 week ago | fourstateshomepage.com | Gretchen Bolander

CARTHAGE, Mo. — A Carthage project is underway to connect tens of thousands of meals with hungry kids. The Carthage R-9 School District is hosting a free summer feeding program. A grant from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services means they’re serving breakfast and lunch at no cost five days a week. It’s available for any child 18 or younger – and you don’t have to be enrolled in summer school to take part. “We actually don’t have a lot of people coming from the community.
Carthage School District hosting free summer meal program for kids

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Gretchen Bolander

Gretchen BolanderThu, May 29, 2025 at 7:59 PM UTC1 min readCarthage School District hosting free summer meal program for kidsCARTHAGE, Mo. — A Carthage project is underway to connect tens of thousands of meals with hungry kids. The Carthage R-9 School District is hosting a free summer feeding program. A grant from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services means they’re serving breakfast and lunch at no cost five days a week.