The Missouri Independent | Susang6 Journal

Joplin’s quiet neighborhoods are facing a growing safety risk unmarked hunting zones where families and pets walk unaware. This article exposes the communication failures that put residents in danger and calls for immediate reform. It started as an ordinary fall afternoon. My neighbor and I were walking our dogs along the creek valley on the south side of Joplin a beautiful, 29‑acre tract of wooded land that families and neighborhood kids have safely explored for generations. Suddenly, we realized we had walked straight into an active hunter’s camp. There were no warnings, no alerts, and absolutely no signs posted anywhere to tell us we were stepping into a firing line. That terrifying moment made one thing clear: hunting season may be over in Joplin, but the safety concerns it exposed are not. What happened in Freeman Grove is not just a “close call”  it is a Joplin hunting safety failure that could have ended in tragedy. This year revealed serious gaps in communicat...

  Mark your calendars: Saturday, December 6, 2025 , brings the first annual Joplin Coin Show to the VFW Hall at 110 Veterans Way. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or someone who just inherited a mysterious coin, this event is your gateway to discovery. With free admission, expert dealers, and secure onsite setup, the Joplin Coin Show promises a day of learning, trading, and connecting with the region’s vibrant collector community.   What to Expect Dozens of dealers offering rare coins, currency, bullion, and collectibles Onsite appraisals and buying opportunities bring your coins and ask questions Educational displays showcasing historic U.S. and world coins Secure environment with 24-hour security and professional setup Free admission and open hours from 9 AM to 4 PM   What You’ll Find Certified coins from PCGS, NGC, and CAC   ready for investment or collection Raw coins for those who enjoy the thrill ...

 For more than two decades, coyotes have been part of the landscape here in Joplin, Missouri. Today, their presence isn’t limited to the wild edges of town coyote sightings in our backyards have become a regular reminder that we share this space with resilient neighbors. From Wildcat Park to the wooded tracts near our homes, they move with the seasons, appearing in fall and winter just as naturally as spring blooms. I’ve seen coyotes lying only fifty feet from my home, and crossing my backyard at dusk. My dogs bark to alert us when they’re near, while the feral cats instinctively keep their distance. One evening, I found myself just five feet from an adult female coyote. She showed no aggression she simply crossed the trail as I calmly stepped back. That moment taught me something important: coyotes are not automatically dangerous, and panic is not the right response. Like many predators, coyotes can sense fear and vulnerability. In the wild, panic signals weakness, but calm, stead...

    Field Report: Thin Does and Spotted Fawns Yesterday, my neighbors went scouting for deer in Silvercreek and reported seeing 14 grazing in the fields across the street. While homes lined the opposite side, no deer were seen in the neighborhood itself. The deer weren’t clustered in one wooded area they were spread out over nearly a mile. Contrary to the city council’s claims of a destructive herd, what they observed were thin lactating does and late-season fawns still bearing spots. No bucks were present. The thinness of the does is likely maternal; they typically regain weight once their fawns are weaned. Their appearance does not suggest overpopulation. Local Hunter’s Perspective This was my neighbor’s second scouting trip. He maintains there are no deer in Joplin and perhaps never were. Because of this, he does not plan to bowhunt locally. He also stated clearly that he will not hunt lactating does fawns or young bucks. Instead, he plans to hunt in November o...