Today's Feature

Arrested on Murder Charges.

A media conference was called Thursday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall concerning the Marvin and Peggy Steverson homicide case that is currently underway.

Carthage Police Chief Dennis Veach read a statement (see Steverson Homicides release inside) and said that Micah Holman had been arrested on first degree charges of murder, arson and burglary in addition to charges of armed criminal action. Holman had been arrested earlier in the investigation on narcotics charges and named as a "person of interest" in the case.

Veach said that the investigation had been dynamic since Saturday June 4, and that it had seen approximately 20 to 30 investigators working constantly.

Jasper County Sheriff Archie Dunn thanked all persons who contributed with leads and information about the case and encouraged continued assistance.

Police continue to search for the white Oldsmobile cutlass with license 815-YAL which is sought in connection with the homicide investigation. A cash reward is being offered for the recovery of the automobile.

Steverson Homicides.

News release 6/9/05 3:30 p.m.

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney Dean Dankleson has, this afternoon caused the following charges to be brought against Micah J. Holman of Carthage:

1st Degree Murder (2 Counts)

1st Degree Arson

1st Degree Burglary

Armed Criminal Action (1 Counts)

Holman was originally arrested for obstructing a government operation and drug charges June 5th in the 900 block of Chestnut in Carthage. At the time of his arrest Holman was in possession of coins believed stolen from the homicide victims’ residence during the crimes. Holman remains in custody in the Jasper County Jail.

Subsequent to Holman’s arrest three search warrants have been served in this case, two at Carthage residences and one to obtain evidence from Holman’s person. A significant number of items were recovered during the searches.

Many have asked if Holman was related to or knew the Steversons. Several years ago Holman had a close relative live at the Steverson home for an extended period of time and Holman also stayed there for a couple of weeks during the same time frame. He knew the Steversons well.

Holman will be formally arrested today and arraigned at a later time in Jasper County.

A cash reward is being offered for recovery of the stolen white 1992 Oldsmobile cutlass 4 dr. with MO plates 815YAL. The amount of that reward is $5,000 and has been raised by Walmart, Carthage Water & Electric as well as Beimdiek Insurance, Southwest Missouri Bank and Hometown Bank. The Carthage Water & Electric Employee are contributing on a personal level. The account is held at Hometown Bank should anyone wish to contribute.

Persons with any information about the car missing in this case are asked to call the Carthage Police Department at 417-237-7200.

As of the end of this day the Tri-State Major Case Squad will have committed approximately 2,000 man-hours to this investigation. The squad will continue tomorrow. Involved agencies: Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, Joplin Police, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Investigators, Webb City Police, Neosho Police, Cherokee County KS Sheriff’s Dept., Crawford County KS Sheriff’s Dept., Missouri State Water Patrol, Missouri State Highway Patrol Air Wing, Carthage Police.

Fourth Annual Kids Fishing Day.

News release

The Missouri Department of Conservation is inviting all area kids and their parents to take part in the fourth annual Kids Fishing Day from 8:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday, June 11 at Kellogg Lake in Carthage.

A variety of activities and events are planned including education stations featuring live animals, fly casting demonstrations and prize giveaways. This event coincides with Missouri’s Free Fishing Days (June 11 & 12), where anglers of all ages do not need a Missouri fishing permit to fish.

The first 400 anglers age 15 and under will receive a kids fishing kit containing all sorts of goodies. The Carthage Police and Fire Departments, MAKO FlyFishers, and several local groups and businesses will assist with the event. There is NO pre-registration for this event but everyone needs to bring his/her own fishing pole and tackle. Worms will be provided. For more info, contact Kevin Badgley @ 417-629-3423.

At eight in the mornin’ on Saturday The Forth Annual Kids’ Fishin’ Day at Kellogg Lake will begin. The lake has been stocked and the first 400 anglers age 15 and under will get a free kids fishin kit. Free food will also be served for kids and parents.

The Fourth Annual Carthage Acoustic Festival will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday with the Open Stage. Those wishin’ to perform can sign up beginnin’ at 9 a.m. At 1 p.m. scheduled performers will begin and the music will last until 10 p.m.

‘Course there will no doubt be plenty of jammin’ under the ample shade trees of the Square throughout the day. Bring your lawn chairs and if it happens to rain, we’ll move inside to the Private Events facility.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Great day in the Ozarks! We may be in for one of those hot/humid summers that makes Mo. famous. It generally is at its worst around the time for all the county and Ozark Empire Fair. I can remember as a kid watching people sit and fan themselves and even some fainting from the heat at these events. As a kid,I must have been oblivious to it or so excited about the fairs that it didn’t bother me. Used to spend the day and not work up a sweat! Could always cool off with a piece of watermelon or some of the homemade lemonade.

Since my childhood enthusiam for mid-summer day activities has wained, I have found out that keeping ones electrolytes in balance will not only help you handle the heat but can be a prevenative to other heat related problems including sunstroke. There are handy packets with just electrolytes so one can avoid the sugary premixed drinks.

5-HTP has made favorable news again. Studies have shown that 5-HTP can help the body maintain healthy serotonin levels. In turn, healthy serotonin levels can reduce cravings for carbohydrates. It has also been described by some who have taken it for mood swings that "the clouds had lifted" and they could now sleep. Taken in conjunction with your Vitamin B6 will enhance the uptake of this nutrient.

Taurine is an amino acid needed for the digestion of fats, absorption of fat soluble vitamins, and the control of serum cholesterol levels. People who have edema, hypertension and ofter hypoglycemia may have benefits from taurine. According to the Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Dr. Balch, this nutrient may also be effective for those with hyperactivite tendencies, reduce symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and helps maintain proper eye functions.

artCentral

artCentral annual event a huge success...and fun!

The three jurors met at 9am sharp to begin their deliberations, each armed with pad and pen. They moved around the gallery, looking and considering the 64 artworks created by 35 artCentral members filling the first floor at Hyde House. Within an hour, they had conferred and agreed, selecting the following winners for artCentral’s Annual Membership Show based on imagination, craftsmanship, and presentation.

Cheryl Church, art teacher at Carthage High School, won the First Place $100 cash award for her large color pencil drawing "19 Birds." The Second Place $75 cash award went to Justin Hale of Joplin for his oak sculpture "Twilight’s Sentinel." Marilyn York of Olathe, Kansas, received a $50 gift certificate from Cleo’s Picture Framing & Design as Third Place for a large watercolor portrait of her granddaughter entitled "Bamboozled." With so many wonderful artworks, the jurors added an Honorable Mention Award, captured by Rebecca Perry for her sleek mixed media sculpture, "Deco Woman."

Now the exhibit was ready for the big public opening and outdoor BBQ on Friday, June 3. And it was a blast! After threat of rain passed, Jack and LeeAnn Sours and their "Plainsfolk" and "Baled Green and Wired Tight" musicians brought out their assorted instruments and entertained, while the folks from the stone carving and blacksmithing workshops joined the crowd to enjoy food and fixin’s furnished by the artCentral Board Members.

The party is over, yet the art show continues through July 8. Come by and see it, 1110 East 13th Street.